Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Description

Woodford Reserve Bourbon: A Timeless Classic with Rich History

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a standout in the world of bourbon, offering a blend of rich history and complex flavor that appeals to both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Although the Woodford Reserve brand was only introduced in 1996, the distillery’s roots trace back over two centuries to 1812, making it one of the most storied distilleries in Kentucky.

Woodford Reserve: A Distillery Steeped in History

The origins of the Woodford Reserve Distillery date back to around 1812 when Elijah Pepper established the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery. To perfect the bourbon-making process, Pepper enlisted the help of Scottish immigrant Dr. James Crow, who is often credited with introducing the sour mash technique to bourbon production. This technique has since become a cornerstone in the creation of Kentucky bourbon.

In 1878, the distillery was acquired by French wine merchant Leopold Labrot and Kentucky businessman James Graham, leading to its renaming as the Labrot and Graham Distillery. The distillery changed hands multiple times over the next century, with Brown-Forman purchasing it in 1941, selling it in 1971, and then repurchasing it in 1994. Shortly after, Brown-Forman launched Woodford Reserve in 1996, aiming to craft a bourbon as complex as the world’s finest scotches and cognacs.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Modern Innovations and Honors

In 2021, the Woodford Reserve Distillery expanded its operations by adding three new copper pot stills and doubling its fermentation capacity, ensuring that its production could meet the growing demand. The distillery also appointed Elizabeth McCall as Master Distiller in February 2023, following in the footsteps of Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, who led the brand from 2003 to 2023.

Woodford Reserve has held the title of the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” since 1999 and has been a sponsor of the event since 2018. This prestigious association has further solidified its reputation as a top-tier bourbon.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Craftsmanship Behind Every Bottle

Every bottle of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality. Crafted at the historic distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Bourbon is made with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The distillery uses mineral-rich, iron-free water sourced from limestone deposits on the property, contributing to the bourbon’s distinctive character.

The mash undergoes fermentation for five to six days—longer than the industry standard—before being triple-distilled in copper pot stills imported from Scotland. Woodford Reserve Bourbon is then aged in new, charred white oak barrels, which are crafted at the distillery’s own cooperage. Although the bourbon carries no age statement, it typically ages between six and seven years, developing a complexity that has earned it numerous awards.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Experience and Versatility

Woodford Reserve Bourbon is celebrated for its versatility, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Mint Julep. The bourbon’s deep amber color with hints of orange is immediately inviting. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of vanilla, honey, light oak, cherry, apricot, apples, orange, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of yeast and barrel funk.

The palate is rich and layered, featuring notes of corn, caramel, crème brûlée, apricot, dark cherry, and a hint of pepper, with undertones of turpentine and paint that add a unique edge. The finish is long and full-bodied, leaving a lasting impression.

Why Woodford Reserve Stands Out

Woodford Reserve offers excellent value for its price, providing a bourbon that is complex enough to be sipped neat or on the rocks while also shining in a variety of whiskey cocktails. However, the finish may strike some as slightly hot, and it might not impress those further along in their bourbon journey who seek even more intricate profiles. We offer  woodford reserve kentucky straight bourbon whiskey price

Similar Bottles: If you enjoy Woodford Reserve, you might also like Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek, Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Maker’s Mark.

Classification: Bourbon
Company: Brown-Forman
Producer: Woodford Reserve
Expression: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Cask: New, charred American white oak barrels
Still Type: Copper pot stills, triple-distilled
ABV: 40%
Aged: No age statement (6–7 years)
Released: 1996–present
Awards: Gold, Class Bartender Awards 2018; Gold, Whiskies of the World Awards 2016 and 2014; Excellent, Highly Recommended, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2015