Woodford Reserve Master's Collection To Feature Maple

Bourbon distiller Woodford Reserve will introduce a maple-wood-finished Master's Collection expression later this year.

The Kentucky distillery has developed a following around their Master's Collection, which, in past years, has featured Bourbon finishing in seasoned oak (pictured) and Sonoma Cutrer wine barrels. It has also included an 1838 "sweet mash," as well as a four-grain recipe.

These expressions have become quite collectible, with a bottle of the 2007-released Sonoma Cutrer trading for nearly $200 and up. Pricing information on the new Master's Collection has not been released yet.

The maple finishing is said to give Woodford's taste a sweeter taste profile. With the trend toward infusing cocktails with bacon, one can well imagine some enterprising bartenders using this new Woodford Expression to create a maple and bacon drink. If they can get some egg whites into the glass, they could call it "Breakfast."