Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Crafting Tradition, Sip by Sip
Discover the rich legacy and exquisite balance of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a benchmark bourbon renowned for its complex flavor profile and meticulous craftsmanship. Nestled in Woodford County, Kentucky, the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery is dedicated to producing a super-premium bourbon that embodies the spirit of American whiskey-making tradition.
Woodford Reserve distinguishes itself through a unique approach to bourbon production. It boasts a distinct mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, which provides a harmonious balance of sweetness from the corn, a delightful spice from the rye, and a nutty character from the malted barley. The spirit undergoes a unique triple distillation process in traditional copper pot stills at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, which contributes to its renowned smooth character. Furthermore, the distillery utilizes proprietary yeast strains and notably long fermentation periods (around six days). The bourbon is then aged in new, heavily charred American white oak barrels within heat-cycled stone warehouses. This unconventional heat-cycling practice during winter months allows the whiskey to expand deeper into the wood, extracting more flavor and rich color, resulting in a complex and deeply nuanced spirit. Bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 Proof), Woodford Reserve is an accessible yet sophisticated bourbon, perfect for savoring neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation for your favorite classic cocktails.
Key Characteristics:
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Distinct Mash Bill: Features 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley for a balanced flavor profile.
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Triple Distillation in Copper Pot Stills: A unique process for bourbon that contributes to its exceptional smoothness and refined character.
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Heat-Cycled Aging: Matured in warehouses that are heat-cycled, promoting deeper wood interaction and accelerated flavor development.
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New, Charred American Oak Barrels: Aged in virgin oak, imparting classic bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted wood.
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Over 200 Detectable Flavor Notes: Renowned for its remarkable complexity and depth of flavor.
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Versatile Proof (45.2% ABV / 90.4 Proof): Robust enough for full flavor, yet smooth for easy sipping.
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"Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby": A prominent association that highlights its premium status and celebratory appeal.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Clean, brilliant honey amber.
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Nose: Rich with heavy dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges, all dusted with cocoa. Subtle notes of vanilla, tobacco spice, and a touch of leather further entice.
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Palate: Rich, chewy, rounded, and exceptionally smooth. Complex flavors of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa unfold. Abundant notes of toffee, caramel, chocolate, and baking spices create a multi-layered experience.
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Finish: Silky smooth, almost creamy at first, leading to a long, warm, and satisfying tail of subtle spice, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Awards & Recognition:
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has consistently garnered significant accolades and high praise:
- Double Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023.
- Gold Medal, Whiskies of the World Awards 2016 and 2014.
- Excellent, Highly Recommended, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2015.
- Gold Medal Best in Class, International Spirits Challenge 2012.
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Consistently rated highly by critics and consumers for its balanced profile, impressive complexity, and overall quality, making it a staple for bourbon enthusiasts.
Overall Impression:
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a testament to the art and science of bourbon making. Its distinctive production methods and meticulous aging result in a spirit that is both approachable for newcomers and complex enough to satisfy seasoned connoisseurs. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the star of a classic cocktail, Woodford Reserve offers a consistently high-quality and satisfying experience, embodying the true essence of Kentucky bourbon tradition.
