Bull Run 17 Year Pinot Finish American Whiskey
Bull Run 17 Year Pinot Finish American Whiskey showcases the remarkable potential of wine-cask finishing applied to a spirit of significant age and maturity. After seventeen years of careful aging in American oak, this Portland-based distillery's expression receives a sophisticated secondary maturation in premium Pinot Noir barrels, infusing the spirit with the elegance, complexity, and subtle fruit character that Oregon's renowned wine region is known for. This innovative finishing technique transforms mature American whiskey into a wine-influenced masterpiece, bridging the worlds of whiskey craftsmanship and fine wine in a single exceptional bottle.
The appearance is a striking deep mahogany with garnet highlights, immediately signaling the wine-cask influence and suggesting the complexity within. The nose opens with inviting layers of cherry, raspberry, and red fruit from the Pinot finish, interwoven with the classic aromas of aged American whiskey—vanilla, caramel, and warm oak. There's an elegant interplay between the fruit-forward wine notes and the spirit's inherent depth, with subtle leather, tobacco, and toasted grain adding sophistication. The palate is remarkably smooth and refined for its proof, with the seventeen years of aging providing an exceptional foundation for the Pinot character to shine. Flavors of dark cherry, plum, and red fruit are complemented by vanilla, caramel, and warm spice, while the wine-cask influence adds subtle tannins and complexity without overwhelming the whiskey's core character. Notes of cocoa, toasted oak, and dried fruit emerge gradually, creating a multi-dimensional experience. The finish is impressively long and velvety, with lingering cherry and plum notes balanced against warming spice and oak—a testament to the successful marriage of aged whiskey and fine wine craftsmanship.
Bull Run 17 Year Pinot Finish American Whiskey is for the discerning drinker who appreciates both whiskey heritage and wine sophistication. This is a spirit that rewards contemplation and conversation, equally at home savored neat or with a few drops of water to open up its complexity. A stunning expression that proves innovation grounded in quality and time creates truly exceptional results.