The Bourbon That Kept Getting Better: Our 2026 Founders’ Reserve
Introducing Our 2026 Founders’ Reserve
Finishing three years in an Oloroso Sherry cask brought a new level of complexity to our latest Founders’ Reserve release.
Good things take time. That was certainly the case with our latest Founders’ Reserve release, a Bourbon Whiskey Finished in a Sherry Cask that spent a total of six and a half years maturing before the Baker brothers decided it was ready to bottle.
The journey began with our 3.5-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which we transferred into a cask that previously held Oloroso Sherry from Spain’s historic Jerez region. Known for its dry, rich character, Oloroso Sherry has long been prized by whiskey makers for the depth and complexity its casks can bring to aging spirits.
While the Bakers have experimented with several finishing techniques over the years, this marks just the second Sherry-finished expression released by Litchfield Distillery.
An Exercise in Patience
The original plan wasn’t necessarily to leave the bourbon in the Sherry cask for three years. But through periodic tastings, the team noticed something interesting happening after the first year. The whiskey was developing greater complexity, and rather than rush it to market, they decided to give it more time.
One year became two. Two became three. The additional maturation proved worthwhile.
“We’re extremely proud of this expression,” said David Baker. “Giving the bourbon more time in the Sherry cask than we initially expected turned out to be an important decision. The added time added wonderful depth of flavor and a level of refinement that made the wait worthwhile.”
The finished bourbon offers a noticeably different experience from Litchfield Distillery’s traditional Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The familiar sweetness of bourbon is balanced by darker, oakier, and subtly smoky characteristics introduced through the Sherry cask. Notes of dried fruit, toasted walnut, baking spice, and a hint of tobacco contribute to a rich, layered flavor profile.
It’s a whiskey that rewards taking your time to do things right.
A Special Selection from the Baker Brothers
Our Founders’ Reserve series was created to showcase exceptional casks that deserve a special moment in the spotlight. Each release is selected unanimously by brothers Peter, Jack, and David Baker, reflecting their shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship. To further distinguish these limited releases, every bottle is personally signed by all three brothers.
The 2026 Founders’ Reserve is Release #6 in the series. Bottled at 100 proof, the whiskey is limited to just 650 bottles and carries a suggested retail price of $69.95.
Bottles will be available at Litchfield Distillery and select Connecticut retailers.
For the Baker brothers, this release reinforces a simple lesson learned through years of making whiskey: The Spirit of Hard Work® doesn’t always mean working harder or faster, sometimes it means knowing when to wait.
