Friday, April 18, 2014

The Week in COLAs: A Grand Marnier Cask Finished Willett Rye & Ardbeg Supernova is Back


Willett XCF Exploratory Cask Finish is a seven year old MGP rye finished in Grand Marnier casks. It appears that this is the first release of a new series. Drew Kulsveen from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, the maker of Willett, explained that Grand Marnier is made by macerating bitter orange peel, distilling it and then aging it for two years in bourbon casks.  After that, it is combined with Cognac and sweetened.  The rye in this Willett is aged in the bourbon casks that were used to age the pre-sweetened orange distillate.

Ardbeg Supernova is coming back with a 2014 release.  This version includes sherry aged whisky and the label emphasizes the sweetness as much as the peat. "It's Supernova but not as you know it."


1 comment:

sam k said...

I'm actually having fun with these "new age" finishes from modern innovators like High West, Bowman, Dad's Hat, etc.

I think they're keeping the consumer engaged and providing flavors and intrigue previously unseen in the industry. Let's hope they continue to be compelling and don't disappoint, a la Woodford Reserve Masters Collection.