Review #7: Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Welcome to our Shelter in Bourbon series. You may not be able to go outside, but at least you don’t have to be socially distant from your bottles. Today’s bourbon is perfect for those 5pm err…maybe 3pm virtual happy hours.

The perks of working from home? Happy Hour is just a short walk away.

Intro:

We now turn our attention to a delicious bourbon that we have enjoyed for years. We were first turned on to Woodford by his aunt after her first trip to the Bourbon Trail. Chances are if you’ve watched a Kentucky Derby over the last couple years, you’ve at least seen an advertisement (not that it’s hard to miss). On our first trip to the Bourbon Trail, this is the first stop on our list.

If you ever get the chance to visit the distillery, do it. This was the first place we ever visited on the Bourbon Trail and it was the best decision we made. You are immediately placed in the appropriate nostalgic mood by driving past sprawling, extraordinary, horse ranches. Acre after acre of meticulously maintained grounds and magnificent horses. It’s hard not to get swept up into the traditions of the state.

The copper still pots at Woodford Reserve Distillery

In our experience, if you have had the privilege of visiting the Woodford Distillery, you’ll notice that this is one of the most brand-aware bourbons out there. Very little is out of place, and it’s almost on the level of Makers Mark. See below for some pictures of the distillery, those copper pots stills are everywhere. If you take a tour, or visit the tasting room, you’ll notice they are also one of the most thorough in describing the full range of the flavor profile in a fun way that doesn’t put you off. It comes complete with multiple wheels indicating the percentage of flavor you might experience.

You can find this bourbon at most liquor stores and even some grocery stores, so it isn’t as scarce as some other popular bourbons (cough cough...Buffalo Trace). The bottle is quite distinctive on the shelf. Not Willet distinctive, but not far off. Chances are it will draw your eye fairly quickly and won’t be drowned out by the vast selections of available bourbons. It has a vibrant honey amber color, and honestly, it’s a fantastic addition to any collection.

The Backstory:

Woodford Reserve is formerly and first known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery (taking the namesake of the original person to establish Elijah Pepper) and then the Labrot & Graham Distillery. The distillery has changed hands a bit throughout its history, but currently resides in the Brown-Forman collection since 1993. Actually, Brown-Forman purchased them twice in the 1900s.

It is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and bourbon distilling began on its site in 1812, though not continually distilled throughout its history. Like Makers Mark and Buffalo Trace, it is one of only three distilleries enjoying landmark status, with the main structure which was constructed in 1838.

This particular brand was first offered in 1996. It has a proof of 90.4 (45.2% ABV) and is part of a premium line of small batch collection including Double Oak, Rye Whiskey, Malt Whiskey, and Master’s Collection (more on those in future posts). Since its inception, it has won numerous awards including several Double Golds and Best of Class at international spirit competitions. They aren’t messing around with this one. Its mash consists of 72% corn, 18% Rye, and 10% malted barley making it a nice combination of sweet and nutty.

Tasting Notes:

According to Woodford: On the nose it is heavy with rich dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges covered with a dusting of cocoa. Faint vanilla and tobacco spice. To the taste it is rich, chewy, rounded and smooth, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Toffee, caramel, chocolate and spice notes abound. The finish is silky smooth, almost creamy at first with a long, warm satisfying tail.

The flavor wheel given to you during the tasting at Woodford Reserve Distillery.

The tasting flight at Woodford Reserve Distillery: Distillers Select, Double Oak, Wheat Whiskey.

According to Him: On the nose it is sweet and you get the sense you are smelling the Angel’s Share. Only other bourbon where I experienced that in a glass is Buffalo Trace. That first sip has very minor heat on the tip of my tongue and the top and back of my mouth, but it lingers. Overall, it is an extremely smooth taste. I get more of the toffee, vanilla, chocolate, and the finish rounds out of the fruits. The finish is a gentle, lasting embrace. Perfect for the long bouts of solitude the shelter-in-place lifestyle requires. If you are able to, pair it with a bourbon chocolate candy. Phenomenal combination.

According to Her: It is sweet on the nose. I am getting hits of molasses, brown sugar, caramel, and chocolate. The first sip there is a tiny, little bit, of spice that hits the middle of your tongue. Overall, not too spicy. It is a very smooth and sweet bourbon, perfect for long sipping sessions…or you know, 35 days of quarantine.

The Rating:

This is a high-quality bourbon. The price range may be a little on the higher side depending on where you purchase, but it doesn’t have the same “scarcity” issues, making it accessible to more. We’ve only really had this bourbon straight, so we can’t speak to how it holds up in mixed drinks. Never saw the point of changing something that is clearly on point. You can add a little bit of water or ice to open up some of the flavors. In the end, there is no wrong way to drink your bourbon.

4.25 out of 5 Glasses. This one is clearly deserved of a space on the top shelf. It is an amazing sipping bourbon that doesn’t need anything else. When you combine that with the reasonable price, it’s really a no-brainer.