Pendleton 20 Year Directors' Reserve Canadian Whisky is the pinnacle of craftsmanship and tradition, celebrating the heritage of the American West. Aged for two decades in American oak barrels, this whisky is masterfully balanced and cut with glacier-fed spring water from Oregon's Mt. Hood, imparting an unmatched purity. Its luxurious flavor profile reveals notes of toasted coconut, cinnamon, vanilla, and oak on the nose, followed by a palate of ripe fruit, baking spices, and a smooth, enduring finish. Encased in a bottle adorned with a handcrafted leather neck cuff by legendary saddle maker Randy Severe, this whisky pays homage to the iconic Pendleton Round-Up rodeo. Perfect for sipping neat, it is a testament to refined aging and the spirit of adventure.
Process & Profile
The Directors' Reserve is crafted with meticulous care, highlighting Pendleton's legacy of quality and tradition. The whisky undergoes a 20-year aging process in American oak barrels, allowing its flavors to develop complexity and depth. The ingredients include the finest grains, and its blending incorporates pure spring water from Mt. Hood, Oregon—a critical element contributing to the whisky's smooth and nuanced character. Each step of the process aligns with the highest standards of Canadian whisky-making, ensuring a spirit of unparalleled excellence.
Tasting Notes
Nose: The aromatic profile offers an inviting complexity of toasted coconut, freshly grated cinnamon, oak, vanilla, and orange zest.
Palate: A harmonious blend of toasted oak and smoked wood evolves into flavors of ripe apples, pears, bananas, and warm baking spices. Subtle notes of pecans and walnuts add a nutty depth.
Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying, the finish leaves a lingering warmth with hints of spice and mellow sophistication.
What Makes It Special
Pendleton Directors' Reserve is more than a whisky—it's a story in a bottle. Inspired by the Pendleton Round-Up, a historic rodeo emblem of Oregon, it carries a deep connection to Western heritage. Its packaging reflects this legacy, featuring a leather-smithed neck cuff designed by third-generation saddle maker Randy Severe and a die-cast stopper showcasing a bronc rider in mid-ride. Beyond its artful presentation, the whisky is made with rare craftsmanship, aged exclusively in new American oak barrels. Its unparalleled smoothness and nuanced layers make it a whisky to treasure.
How to Enjoy
Pendleton 20 Year Directors' Reserve is designed to be savored. For the best experience:
- *Neat:* Sip neat at room temperature to fully appreciate its bouquet and layered flavors. Swirl it in a glass to release the aromas.
- *On the Rocks:* Use a single large ice cube to maintain its integrity while opening up a touch of the orange spice and caramel notes.
- *Cocktails:* While it shines on its own, the whisky can elevate classic whisky cocktails for special occasions.
From its intricate flavor profile to its connection to Western heritage, Pendleton 20 Year Directors' Reserve embodies luxury, craftsmanship, and tradition. This is a whisky for those who appreciate the finer things and seek to celebrate life's moments with grandeur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Pendleton Directors' Reserve unique?
This whisky is aged for 20 years in American oak barrels, enhancing its complex flavor profile. It is crafted using pure glacier-fed spring water from Oregon's Mt. Hood, which elevates the natural flavors of oak, cinnamon, and rye. The bottle is also wrapped in a leather sleeve handcrafted by a third-generation saddle maker, adding a unique visual appeal and nod to the heritage of the Pendleton Round-Up.
What is the flavor profile of this whisky?
The whisky features notes of toasted coconut, cinnamon, oak, vanilla, and orange zest on the nose. The palate reveals toasted oak, ripe fruits like apples, pears, and bananas, complemented by warm baking spices. The finish is long, smooth, and mature.
How should Pendleton Directors' Reserve be served?
This whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate its intricate flavors. A small ice cube can also help open up additional notes, such as orange spice, vanilla, and caramel.
What is the alcohol content of Pendleton Directors' Reserve?
It is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
Where does this whisky get its water?
The whisky is cut with pure glacier-fed spring water sourced from Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest peak. This water contributes to the whisky's clean and refined taste.
What is the significance of the Pendleton Round-Up in this product?
The Pendleton Directors' Reserve pays homage to the Pendleton Round-Up, a legendary rodeo event. The leather sleeve and craftsmanship of the bottle reflect the spirit and heritage of the American West.
What makes Canadian whisky different from other whiskies?
Canadian whisky is known for its blending process, using base whiskies made from various grains like rye, corn, wheat, and barley. This approach allows for complex flavor development. Additionally, Canadian whisky must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, though premium options like the Pendleton Directors' Reserve often age much longer.
Does whisky improve with age?
Yes, whisky develops more nuanced flavors the longer it ages in oak barrels. Pendleton Directors' Reserve has been aged for 20 years, providing it with a rich and complex character. However, once bottled, the aging process stops.
Is Pendleton Directors' Reserve a good gift?
Yes, the Pendleton Directors' Reserve makes an excellent gift for whisky enthusiasts due to its premium craftsmanship, rich history, and exceptional flavor profile. The luxurious packaging, including the leather sleeve, adds to its appeal as a sophisticated and thoughtful gift.
