Although many reviewers and bourbon enthusiasts are starting to stray away from the limited edition releases this distiller is releasing annually, I still find myself gravitating towards them. I will agree that the MSRP on these bottles is creeping up there to a cost that makes me think twice or often pass on until a later date, yet I personally have yet to be disappointed with any of the releases I have purchased and reviewed. Today’s review comes from the Woodford Reserve Distillery and is the 2023 release of Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish.

Bottle Information

From the Woodford Reserve website: For this 2023 release, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall has drawn upon prior creative releases and continued product experimentation for inspiration. In 2014, the Master’s Collection released the first Pinot Noir finished Kentucky Bourbon in history, Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Finish. This was followed in 2016 with the first-ever American Brandy Cask finished Bourbon. The Pinot Noir and brandy barrels used for these releases were obtained from famous Sonoma County wineries. These releases featured big, bold, red and dried fruit flavors along with dark chocolate and baking spice notes. At the same time, many wineries began to age their red wines in used Woodford Reserve barrels to create a new “Bourbon Barrel Aged” genre. These wines featured rich vanilla and caramel notes.

• Distiller: Produced by The Woodford Reserve Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 90.4
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $149
• 2024 National Average: $249
• Official Website

This bottle was quite easy to find in the NoCo area, and I still know where three bottles are at MSRP. It seems that perhaps this Master’s Collection release has not been as popular as previous releases, but I would recommend that you not sleep on this bottle if you enjoy the flavors of a nice Pinot Noir. Overall, the 2023 Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection release provides those classic Woodford notes of Chocolate, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, and Cherry, mixed with a wonderful addition of dry Merlot and sweet Pinot Noir. I enjoy this expression, yet I used to thoroughly enjoy Pinot Noir. So if you enjoy these types of wine-forward notes, then this will be your jam! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Red Dark Fruits (Cherry/Plum), Pinot Noir, Cacao, Oak, Spice, and Vanilla
• Palate: Very Fruit Forward, Chocolate, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Dry Cabernet/Sweet Pinot Noir, Red Grape, Cherry, Baking Spice, and Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Dry Oak and Pinot Noir
• My Rating: Drink It! (I really enjoy this expression, yet I used to thoroughly enjoy Pinot Noir. So if you enjoy these types of wine forward notes, then this will be your jam!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™