Woodford Reserve finishes whiskey in Madeira casks

For the autumn release in its Master’s Collection, Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve has relied on fortified wine casks from Portugal.

Madeira Cask Finish marks the 20th release in Woodford Reserve’s Master’s Collection. The expression blends Bourbon, rye and wheat whiskeys that were finished in Madeira barrels with Woodford's straight wheat whiskey. “Madeira Cask Finish is a tremendous way to celebrate 20 years of the Master’s Collection,” master distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “In 2007, Woodford Reserve was among the first Bourbons to finish in wine casks. It was quite controversial at the time, but is now a common practice by other distillers. This 20th expression marks that historic milestone, with a new Madeira wine cask.” Master’s Collection; Madeira Cask Finish is bottled at 45.2% ABV and priced at US$170 for a 700ml bottle. It will be available in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The whiskey is also available for shipping to Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington DC. On the nose, the whiskey shows notes of dark cherries, brown sugar, and clove-sprinkled candied oranges. The palate brings dark fruit notes of raisin and dried cranberries that fade into walnut and baking spice. Previous releases in the Master's Collection include a five-malt stouted mash, a chocolate malted rye Bourbon, a maple wood finish, and an oat grain whiskey. The Master’s Collection debuted in 2006 with a Four Grain release.