Super-Premium bourbon Woodford Reserve has launched the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, the ‘ultimate expression’ of its American Whiskey.

The two brands have partnered to create a singular item highlighting their legacies. The bottle design is meant to evoke the Woodford Reserve bottle silhouette and is engraved with the Woodford Reserve and Baccarat logos.

It is presented in a signature Baccarat red box with multi-dimensional doors that rotate upon opening and includes a crystal stopper adorned with Woodford Reserve’s initials.

The limited edition bottling, has a suggested retail price of $1,500 a bottle and will be available exclusively in duty free stores for one year starting May 2019.

‘EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP’

It is the first and only American whiskey to be bottled in Baccarat and showcases, ‘exceptional craftsmanship,’ according to the company. The bourbon has been ‘further aged to perfection’ in hand-selected XO cognac casks at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky.

Marshall Farrer, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Global Retail Travel for Brown-Forman, the parent company of Woodford Reserve said: “We are launching this luxury product in travel retail because sophisticated consumers are seeking premium brands. Woodford Reserve leads the ultra-premium bourbon category globally.”

Commenting separately to TRBusiness during the recent unveiling at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, Farrer remarked: “This is the first time American whiskey has ever been available at this price point. With this type of presentation we think there is a huge opportunity and expect a lot of interest around the globe.”

He added: “We are bringing the best of accessibility and luxury premiumness. When you pair them together it is the perfect comfort for any consumer.”

Mark Bacon, Global Brand Director for Woodford Reserve said the partnership elevated the American whiskey category in the global market. “We are extremely proud to announce the partnership between the world’s finest bourbon and world’s finest crystal. Both represent craftsmanship at the highest level,” he remarked.

IMPORTANT PREMIERE

Baccarat Global CEO, Daniela Riccardi commented: “Baccarat is honoured to be the partner of Woodford Reserve for this important premiere in the world of American whiskey. We are proud of the work done together and of a beautiful decanter that our artisans crafted inspired by the excellence and savoir faire that both our maisons cherish.”

Master distiller Chris Morris concluded: “The partnership exemplifies Woodford Reserve’s ability to stay at the forefront of innovation within the global spirits industry.”