Litchfield Distillery debuted its Sauternes-Finished Rye Whiskey, a limited-edition release.

Connecticut’s Litchfield Distillery released its Sauternes-Finished Rye Whiskey, a complex and balanced spirit that brings together the distinctive spice of its rye with the delicate sweetness of French dessert wine. To create this unique expression, the team started with its Rye Whiskey, which was originally aged for 18 months in American white oak casks. It was then transferred to French oak barrels that previously held Sauternes wine for six years, allowing it to mature for another 18 months. This extended finishing process allowed the whiskey to absorb the characteristics of the Sauternes casks while maintaining the pronounced spice that rye lovers appreciate. Sauternes is a renowned French dessert wine from the Bordeaux region, prized for its intense sweetness and complexity. The wine is made from grapes affected by noble rot, a natural process that concentrates sugars and deepens flavors. “Finishing whiskey in Sauternes casks adds a layer of depth and elegance that’s truly unique,” said David Baker, Co-partner of Litchfield Distillery. “The French oak imparts a velvety texture, while the Sauternes influence brings in beautiful fruit and honey notes, which nicely complement our rye’s cinnamon-spicy profile.” The brand is distributed in the state by Slocum & Sons.