Experience the art of bourbon making with Woodford Reserve, a masterfully crafted spirit that is the quintessential expression of a modern classic. Renowned for its balanced and complex flavor profile, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a staple for any home bar and a favorite of bartenders worldwide. With its iconic bottle and rich heritage, Woodford Reserve is the perfect choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the sophisticated foundation of a classic cocktail. Find this essential bourbon through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
Woodford Reserve is a bourbon of exceptional character, created through a meticulous and artisanal production process. It is crafted from a unique, high-rye mash bill and is one of the only bourbons to be triple-distilled in copper pot stills, a method that results in a crisper, cleaner, and more fruit-forward spirit. Aged in new, charred American oak barrels at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, this bourbon is a true taste of Kentucky.
Distillation: Triple Distilled in Copper Pot Stills
Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY
Brand History: A National Historic Landmark
The site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery is a landmark of American whiskey history, with distilling beginning on the grounds in 1812. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, representing the birthplace of many key innovations in the bourbon industry. The modern Woodford Reserve brand was introduced in 1996, revitalizing the historic site and quickly establishing itself as a leader in the premium bourbon category. The brand is celebrated for its commitment to the "five sources of flavor"—water, grain, fermentation, distillation, and maturation—which contribute to its remarkable complexity.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Over 200 Flavors
Woodford Reserve is celebrated for its incredibly balanced and nuanced flavor profile, with over 200 detectable flavor notes.
Nose: A rich and elegant bouquet. Expect aromas of dried fruit, rich vanilla, and warm baking spices, with hints of mint, cocoa, and sweet tobacco.
Palate: A wonderfully rich, chewy, and rounded palate. A complex interplay of flavors unfolds, with notes of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa mingling with sweet caramel, toffee, and a distinct peppery spice from the rye.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally silky smooth and creamy, with a long, satisfying warmth and lingering notes of sweet spice and toasted oak.
Why Woodford Reserve is an Essential Bourbon:
Perfectly Balanced: The artful combination of its high-rye mash bill and triple-distillation process creates a bourbon that is perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, fruity, and floral notes.
The Ultimate Cocktail Bourbon: It is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby's Mint Julep and makes an exceptional Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour.
A Rich and Complex Sipper: Its depth of flavor and smooth character make it an ideal bourbon for sipping neat or on the rocks.
A Taste of History: Owning a bottle of Woodford Reserve connects you to one of the oldest and most beautiful distillery sites in Kentucky.
This is a bourbon that is both a versatile workhorse and a sophisticated sipper, a true icon of the Bluegrass State. Contact Nestor Liquor today to add the timeless Woodford Reserve to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is unique about Woodford Reserve's production?
A: Woodford Reserve is one of the only distilleries to triple-distill its bourbon in copper pot stills, a process more common in Irish whiskey. This, combined with their high-rye mash bill and long fermentation process, contributes to its uniquely complex and balanced flavor profile.
Q: What is a "high-rye" bourbon?
A: A "high-rye" bourbon, like this one with 18% rye, uses a higher percentage of rye grain in its recipe. This results in a spicier, more robust flavor profile compared to bourbons with less rye.
Q: Is Woodford Reserve considered a "craft" bourbon?
A: While produced by the large company Brown-Forman, Woodford Reserve is widely considered to have a "craft" approach due to its small-batch production, unique triple-distillation method, and its focus on creating a complex, well-balanced flavor profile at its historic distillery.
Q: How is this different from Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?
A: This is the flagship Woodford Reserve, aged entirely in a single, new charred oak barrel. The Double Oaked expression takes this same bourbon and finishes it for a second period in a separate, heavily toasted, lightly charred barrel, resulting in an even richer, sweeter, and more oak-forward profile.
Q: Where can I purchase Woodford Reserve?
A: This is a widely available and popular premium bourbon. We recommend checking with our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, for their inventory.
