Midway, KY — March 25, 2024 — Bluegrass Distillers, a grain-to-glass Kentucky bourbon distillery committed to craftsmanship and innovation, proudly announces the launch of its new Elkwood Reserve Finished Series—an exclusive line of limited-release bourbons aged in distinctive finishing barrels. The series debuts with a full-bodied French Oaked Finish, further expanding the award-winning Elkwood Reserve collection.
The Elkwood Reserve line was originally released to commemorate the opening of Bluegrass Distillers’ new home at historic Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. Intended as a distillery-exclusive series showcasing the team’s passion for quality and creativity, the line has since gained a strong following. In response, Bluegrass Distillers is expanding Elkwood Reserve to include new finishes and limited releases, offering more variety while staying true to its vision for the brand.
The first release in the Finished Series features Bluegrass Distillers’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged traditionally and then finished in French Oak casks sourced specifically for their refined character and tight grain. This secondary aging imparts elegant spice, dried fruit, dark chocolate, toasted almond, and a silky mouthfeel.
- Proof: 119
- Bottle Count: Limited release of 272 bottles
- SRP: $105
“The Elkwood Reserve Finished Series is our way of celebrating both tradition and creativity. With the French Oaked Finish, we wanted to showcase how thoughtful barrel selection can elevate the complexity of a single barrel,” said Ben Franzini, Co-Owner of Bluegrass Distillers. “This series is about pushing boundaries with purpose.”
The Elkwood Reserve Finished Series celebrates barrel experimentation and single barrel innovation. Each release in the series highlights a different finishing oak, offering distinct flavor expressions and aging profiles. Following the French Oaked debut, the series will include:
- Toasted Oaked Finish – Finished in toasted American Oak barrels to bring out warm caramel, vanilla, and balanced baking spice, highlighting the natural sweetness and depth of the oak.
- Spanish Oaked Finish – Known for its drier, spicier character and stronger wood influence, Spanish Oak has long been used to age sherries. It imparts deep notes of oak and caramel, followed by rich vanilla, dark stone fruit, and a finish of toasted nuts.
Availability
The Elkwood Reserve Frenched Oaked Finish is available in limited quantities through:
- Bluegrass Distillers’ Tasting Rooms in Lexington and Midway, KY
- Initial distribution in Kentucky
- Bourbon Outfitter
- Select Single Barrel Program partners
About Bluegrass Distillers
Founded in Lexington, KY, in 2012, Bluegrass Distillers has mastered its craft by blending traditional bourbon-making methods with innovative mash bills, creative distillation techniques, and advanced barrel finishing. The expansion to Elkwood Farm—a historic 62-acre estate in Midway, KY—marks a major milestone for the company. The new site features a full seed-to-glass operation, including a 36” column still, expanded bottling line, multiple barrel warehouses, and new visitor experiences—now open to the public.
🌐 Website: www.bluegrassdistillers.com
