Major 2026 Release 002 9 Year Old Rye Whiskey Red & White Pineau Cask Finish

Eboni Major commands attention once more. The acclaimed master blender brings her exacting palate to this highly anticipated 2026 rye release. Instead of leaning on brute force, this intricate blend deliberately explores the delicate intersection between a robust American rye and French fortified wine. Major orchestrated the secondary maturation utilizing both Red and White Pineau des Charentes casks. The dual-cask finish builds a formidable labyrinth of flavor. It completely respects the underlying spirit. Those vibrant fruit notes never overstay their welcome or muddy the fiery grain at its core.

Discipline drives the finishing program here. The WoodWork Collective operates on a pivotal philosophy: supplemental wood should always elevate, not obscure. Sourcing these specific Pineau des Charentes barrels was crucial for achieving a layered, nuanced profile. White Pineau imparts bright, floral nectar elements, while the red variation contributes deeper, oxidized plum and dark grape must characteristics. Melding them together takes immense patience. This meticulous, multi-staged approach yields a whiskey that actively bursts with dimension, offering something remarkably compelling for those who prioritize structural complexity over sheer, unadulterated proof. It stands at a confident 108.9 proof.

• Masterfully blended by Eboni Major
• Finished in authentic Red and White Pineau des Charentes casks
• Bottled at a robust 108.9 proof

Nose: Candied grapefruit peel and white grape juice leap from the glass. They quickly give way to dried figs, weathered oak, and a faint whisper of crushed geranium.

Palate: Viscous and oily. Initial bursts of tart plum and apricot marmalade immediately collide with intense baking spices. The rye backbone asserts itself midway through, delivering sharp black pepper, toasted almond, and rich saddle leather.

Finish: Long and drying. The fortified wine influence fades into lingering citrus zest, dark cocoa nibs, and a clean, spicy snap of clove.

This robust rye demands rich, savory accompaniments. Pair it alongside a thick cut of smoked brisket. The fatty bark perfectly counteracts the acidic fruit. For a cheese option, aged Gouda provides the necessary crystalline crunch to mirror the whiskey's spicy backbone. It's also fantastic with dark chocolate torte, which manages to coax out those hidden Pineau des Charentes notes.