Their seventh and latest Distillery Series expression will complete the trio of rye whiskeys released this summer.
French Oak Cask Finished Rye is the final expression of a triplet of Distillery Series rye offerings released this summer. Developed by Master Distiller Chris Morris, French Oak Cask Finished Rye is a batching of the rye mash distillate used in the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Aged Cask Rye that matured in French Oak barrels for three years. The French Oak barrels originally held Pinot Noir before they were seasoned with Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
“This expression, compared to the previous two, is by far the fruitiest of our rye whiskey Distillery Series offerings,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Fruit characteristics are atypical for a rye whiskey, making this tropical and citrus dominant blend a very unique expression.”
The Distillery Series began in 2015 with Sweet Mash Redux, which added a non-sour mash to Woodford’s traditional sour mash Bourbon for a higher pH effect. Double Double Oaked followed, an expression achieved by finishing mature Woodford Double Oaked for an extra year in a second lightly charred new oak barrel. Frosty Four Wood was released in early 2016. The original Four Wood Whiskey, which as the name suggests touched four woods (American Oak, Maple Wood, Sherry Wood, and Port), was exposed to record lows in the Polar Vortex, resulting in this unique Frosty release. Five Malt, the fourth in line, was inspired by the malted grains typically used by popular micro-breweries and aged in Double Oaked barrels for only six months.
The Distillery series first Rye, Blended Rye, was released in May 2017 as a mixture of rye from the 2004 Master’s Collection and aged rye whiskey from the Distiller’s Select line. Toasted Oak Rye, released in June, is a twice barreled rye mash, first in Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels, then in Woodford Reserve Double Oaked barrels for two years. French Oak Cask Finished Rye will complete this year’s rye trio.
French Oak Cask Finished Rye is available for purchase at the Woodford Reserve Distillery as well as select Kentucky retailers. French Oak Cask Finished Rye is presented at 86.4 proof with a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 375ml bottle.
