Introducing Our First Sauternes-Finished Rye Whiskey

At Litchfield Distillery, we’re always looking for new ways to expand our flavor horizon while staying true to our commitment to craftsmanship. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our first-ever Sauternes-Finished Rye Whiskey—a complex, and beautifully balanced spirit that brings together the distinctive spice of our rye with the delicate sweetness of French dessert wine.

The Finishing Process

To create this unique expression, we started with our Rye Whiskey, which was originally aged for 18 months in American white oak casks. We then transferred it to French oak barrels that previously held Sauternes wine for six years, allowing it to mature for another 18 months. This extended finishing process allowed the whiskey to absorb the luscious, honeyed characteristics of the Sauternes casks while maintaining the pronounced spice that rye lovers appreciate.

“Finishing whiskey in Sauternes casks adds a layer of depth and elegance that’s truly unique,” says David Baker, co-partner of Litchfield Distillery. “The French oak imparts a velvety texture, while the Sauternes influence brings in beautiful fruit and honey notes, which nicely complement our rye’s cinnamon-spicy profile.”

What is Sauternes?

For those unfamiliar, Sauternes is a renowned French dessert wine from the Bordeaux region, prized for its intense sweetness and complexity. The wine is made from grapes affected by noble rot, a natural process that concentrates sugars and deepens flavors. Sauternes wines are often known for their:

• Rich honey and caramel notes,
• Dried fruit flavors, including apricot and golden raisin,
• Floral and citrus accents, such as orange blossom and marmalade,
• Creamy, buttery texture from extended barrel aging.

Tasting Notes

Several of these signature flavors carried over beautifully to our Sauternes-Finished Rye Whiskey.

• Nose: A touch sweeter than our traditional rye, with aromas of apricot, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon spice.
• Palate: Layers of honey, caramelized orange zest, and warm baking spices create a smooth, balanced experience.
• Finish: Savory and long, punctuated by our rye’s signature peppery spice and a touch of sweet cinnamon.

“This whiskey is an incredible balance of bold and refined,” adds Baker. “You get the spice and darker flavors of the rye, but the Sauternes finish adds a smooth, luxurious quality with just the perfect amount of fruit notes.”

A Limited-Edition Release

Batch #1 of our Sauternes-Finished Rye Whiskey is a limited release, with only 350 bottles available. You can purchase it now at our Distillery Store, and we’ll soon be distributing to select Connecticut retailers.

If you’re a fan of unique cask finishes and flavorful rye whiskey, we highly recommend grabbing a bottle while supplies last.