Frequently Asked Questions
Hillrock Pinot Noir Finished Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey is a masterful expression of craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation. This exceptional bourbon begins its journey in Hillrock's signature solera system, marrying younger and older whiskies for unparalleled complexity and consistent quality. After aging in Oloroso Sherry casks, the bourbon is meticulously finished in Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir casks from Oregon's renowned Willamette Valley. The result is a luxurious spirit with a radiant amber hue and a symphony of flavors, including ripe cherries, blackberries, and creamy caramel, punctuated by warm vanilla and subtle French oak. A delicate yet bold palate reveals notes of toffee, floral nuances, and lingering rye spice, making it an exquisite choice for connoisseurs seeking a unique and refined whiskey experience.
Process & Profile
The hallmark of Hillrock's bourbon lies in its pioneering use of the Solera aging process, a method historically used for Sherry and Cognac. This system blends whiskeys of various ages to create a consistently balanced and complex flavor profile. The whiskey begins its journey in new charred oak barrels, is layered through barrels previously used for aging Oloroso Sherry, and receives its finishing touch in premium Pinot Noir casks from Oregon's Shea Vineyard. At 92.6 proof (46.3% ABV), it delivers a carefully curated experience of age, complexity, and innovation. This method ensures every sip carries traces of the original spirit, making it a timeless and unique offering.Tasting Notes
Appearance: A captivating copper-amber hue with slight chestnut tints. Nose: Bright aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums complemented by sweet caramel, taffy, crème brûlée, and candied almonds. Palate: Luxurious layers of vanilla, toffee, and French oak lead the way, balanced with fruity notes and floral undertones. Finish: The whiskey leaves a lasting impression of rye spice, dried plums, nutmeg, and allspice, rounded by hints of creamy vanilla.What Makes It Special
Hillrock is not just another distillery; it is a *field-to-glass* operation. Nestled amidst rolling fields in New York's Hudson Valley, Hillrock Estate distills its whiskey using barley and rye grown on its own farm. By combining the expertise of Master Distiller Dave Pickerell with meticulous perfectionism, Hillrock has redefined bourbon-making. The *Pinot Noir finish* transforms the Solera-aged bourbon into a one-of-a-kind experience, blending the wine's soft tannins and fruity elegance with the whiskey's robust flavors. As the first American whiskey to adopt the Solera system, Hillrock represents the confluence of tradition and innovation.How to Enjoy
Hillrock Pinot Noir Finished Solera Aged Bourbon is best enjoyed thoughtfully to appreciate its intricacy:- Neat: To savor its full complexity and layered flavors.
- With Water or Ice: A splash of water or a single large ice cube balances its bold spices and opens fruity aromas.
- Cocktails: Elevate classic bourbon-based cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned by introducing the fruity and floral nuances from its Pinot Noir finish.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside desserts like dark chocolate, fruit tarts, or crème brûlée for a luxurious end to a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hillrock's Solera Aged Bourbon unique?
Hillrock's Solera Aged Bourbon is crafted using the Solera aging method, which involves fractional blending in a multi-barrel system. This process ensures a consistent flavor profile and allows the whiskey to inherit complex flavors from older batches while maintaining balance and depth. The addition of aging in Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir casks further enhances its unique taste with fruity and floral notes.
What flavors can I expect from this whiskey?
Hillrock Pinot Noir Finished Solera Aged Bourbon offers a rich tasting experience. Key notes include bright red fruits like cherries, blackberries, and plums, complemented by sweet desserts such as crème brûlée, caramel, and candied almonds. The palate is rounded out with toffee, French oak, rye spice, and warm spices like nutmeg and clove.
What is the Solera aging process?
The Solera aging method involves a tiered system of barrels where older whiskey is blended with younger whiskey in a continuous process. This ensures that each bottle contains a portion of whiskey from earlier batches, creating a more consistent and complex flavor profile over time.
How does the Pinot Noir cask finish affect the flavor?
The finishing in Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir wine casks imparts distinct fruity and floral characteristics to the bourbon. This step enriches the whiskey with subtle red wine notes, enhancing the overall complexity and offering a unique taste not found in traditional bourbons.
What is the proof of Hillrock Pinot Noir Finished Solera Aged Bourbon?
This bourbon is bottled at 92.6 proof, striking a balance between strength and smoothness, making it suitable for sipping neat or in cocktails.
Where is Hillrock bourbon produced?
Hillrock Estate Distillery is located in the Hudson Valley Highlands, New York. It is one of the few "field-to-glass" distilleries in the United States, controlling each step of production, from growing the grains to bottling the whiskey.
Does Hillrock use sustainable production methods?
Yes, Hillrock grows its heirloom grains locally and produces its whiskey using traditional methods such as floor malting and copper pot distillation. This "field-to-glass" approach ensures sustainability and reflects the terroir of the Hudson Valley region.
What is the best way to enjoy this bourbon?
Hillrock Pinot Noir Finished Solera Aged Bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in craft cocktails. Adding a drop of water can open up additional nuances, such as hints of cocoa, vanilla, and almond.
Is this bourbon suitable for collectors?
Yes, the unique production process, the Pinot Noir cask finish, and Hillrock's limited output make this bourbon a standout addition to any collection. Its complex flavor profile and handcrafted quality are sure to impress enthusiasts.
Does Hillrock ship directly to customers?
Hillrock products are shipped to select states and international locations where it is legally permitted. Purchasers must be of legal drinking age and adhere to local laws regarding alcohol delivery.
How does Solera aging differ from traditional bourbon aging?
Unlike traditional aging, where bourbon from a single barrel is bottled, Solera aging blends whiskey from multiple stages of maturation over time. This method ensures that older and younger whiskeys are combined for a smoother, more layered flavor profile. It allows for a consistent taste while incorporating the complexity of aged spirits.
What is the origin of the Solera aging method?
The Solera process originated in Spain, primarily used for aging sherry and brandy, and has since been adapted for whiskey production. The method blends spirits from different ages, retaining traces of the original batch in every bottle produced.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
You may also like
Recently viewed
