Bordeaux Finish

Bordeaux Finish

With our rye whiskey ready, a secondary maturation – known as finishing, can follow. This involves transferring the whiskey to another barrel, either new, or one that previously held another liquid.

The purpose is to introduce new elements to complement the fruit and spice of rye. It is a delicate process, one that requires mastery of both the whiskey and the finishing elements, so as to not overpower the former’s character.

Coalition Whiskey made the bold yet insightful decision to finish using barriques (French for barrel) from Bordeaux. Hailed as the wine capital of the world and home to the most awarded wines where used barriques command a premium price.

For this purpose, Leonid required Ludwig Vanneron, a Bordeaux-based winemaker and global wine specialist. Himself an American whiskey aficionado, Ludwig is in a unique and ideal position for this international coalition.

The careful screening of each barrel – including the barriques’ individual records, as well as extensive visual and smell inspections – resulted in a final selection of 25. These aged the best reds from Margaux and Pauillac, as well as whites from Sauternes.

Steve fills these barriques with Barrel Proof, and then carefully monitors the finishing for the next six to nine months. Only afterward can our three expressions be bottled and marked with their respective Bordeaux finish.

Our pride..

Pauillac Barriques are characterized as robust and confident. The dark and seductive amber-colored liquid is 92.6 proof. It is marked by a very complex bouquet of blackberry, cherry notes, hints of coffee, plum, and spices. On the palate, it provides a generous volume with smoked nuts and a pleasant, well-integrated wood finish.

Sauternes Barriques are described as sophisticated and balanced. The deep amber-colored liquid is 94.2 proof. It manifests a rich, fragrant bouquet with perfectly balanced hints of apricot, caramel, and honeyed vanilla notes. On the palate, it is smooth, exquisite, and elegant, with luscious flavors of dried fruit and toffee, capped by a delicate almond finish.

Margaux Barriques are characterized as refined and lively. The deep amber-colored liquid is 90.8 proof. It expresses a complex flavor of floral notes, mainly that of lilacs and violets, with red fruit nuances, and a touch of roasted coffee beans. On the palate, it exudes elegance, has a good backbone, and is followed by a long, pleasant finish.

Bordeaux Wine Appellations Map
Bordeaux Wine Appellations Map

Bordeaux Finish

With our rye whiskey ready, a secondary maturation – known as finishing, can follow. This involves transferring the whiskey to another barrel, either new, or one that previously held another liquid.

The purpose is to introduce new elements to complement the fruit and spice of rye. It is a delicate process, one that requires mastery of both the whiskey and the finishing elements, so as to not overpower the former’s character.

Coalition Whiskey made the bold yet insightful decision to finish using barriques (French for barrel) from Bordeaux. Hailed as the wine capital of the world and home to the most awarded wines where used barriques command a premium price.

For this purpose, Leonid required Ludwig Vanneron, a Bordeaux-based winemaker and global wine specialist. Himself an American whiskey aficionado, Ludwig is in a unique and ideal position for this international coalition.

The careful screening of each barrel – including the barriques’ individual records, as well as extensive visual and smell inspections – resulted in a final selection of 25. These aged the best reds from Margaux and Pauillac, as well as whites from Sauternes.

Steve fills these barriques with Barrel Proof, and then carefully monitors the finishing for the next six to nine months. Only afterward can our three expressions be bottled and marked with their respective Bordeaux finish.

Bordeaux Wine Appellations Map

Our pride..

Pauillac Barriques are characterized as robust and confident. The dark and seductive amber-colored liquid is 92.6 proof. It is marked by a very complex bouquet of blackberry, cherry notes, hints of coffee, plum, and spices. On the palate, it provides a generous volume with smoked nuts and a pleasant, well-integrated wood finish.

Sauternes Barriques are described as sophisticated and balanced. The deep amber-colored liquid is 94.2 proof. It manifests a rich, fragrant bouquet with perfectly balanced hints of apricot, caramel, and honeyed vanilla notes. On the palate, it is smooth, exquisite, and elegant, with luscious flavors of dried fruit and toffee, capped by a delicate almond finish.

Margaux Barriques are characterized as refined and lively. The deep amber-colored liquid is 90.8 proof. It expresses a complex flavor of floral notes, mainly that of lilacs and violets, with red fruit nuances, and a touch of roasted coffee beans. On the palate, it exudes elegance, has a good backbone, and is followed by a long, pleasant finish.

Bordeaux Wine Appellations Map