Major 2026 Release 003 9 Year Rye Whiskey Red Pineau Cask Finish

Bold moves define the best whiskeys. Major’s 2026 Rye Release 003 pushes the boundaries of cask finishing by enlisting Red Pineau des Charentes barrels for a profoundly impactful secondary maturation. Pineau casks are notoriously demanding. They impart massive waves of jammy, fortified wine notes that can easily overwhelm a lesser spirit, but this rye stands its ground effortlessly. It hits at a massive 122.84 proof. That colossal ABV provides the structural backbone necessary to balance the delicate, grape-driven sweetness pouring from the French oak.

Red Pineau brings a completely different dimension compared to standard sherry or port. The fortified blend of grape must and Cognac stains the timber with vivid flavors of crushed blackberries, bruised plums, and rich baking spices. This intense fruit character merges with the underlying rye grain to create something genuinely exceptional in the glass. The high-rye mashbill delivers a sharp, crackling herbaceous backbone that perfectly slices through the decadent fruit layers. It drinks incredibly hot at first. You will want to let it rest in the glass for a few minutes before diving into the complex aromatics.

• Bottled at a cask-strength 122.84 proof for maximum flavor retention.
• Finished in rare Red Pineau des Charentes casks from France.
• Delivers a heavy, viscous mouthfeel with intense dark fruit notes.

Nose: A dense blast of dark cherries and crushed blackberries leaps from the glass. The underlying grain provides a solid foundation of toasted pumpernickel, cracked black pepper, and worn leather.

Palate: Viscous and unapologetically bold on the tongue. Massive waves of stewed plums and baked raspberries collide with aggressive cinnamon, clove, and a distinct herbal mintiness.

Finish: The high proof carries the flavors for an eternity. Lingering notes of rich oak tannin, drying baking spices, and a final whisper of sweet grape must slowly fade.

Pair this powerhouse rye with a dry-aged ribeye steak. The intense char of the beef matches the aggressive barrel spice flawlessly. Alternatively, serve it alongside a dark chocolate tart with a raspberry coulis. The rich cocoa and tart berries echo the Red Pineau cask influence beautifully.