Woodford Reserve Master's Collection: Sweet Oak (2025 Release)
Discover the difference Chinkapin Oak makes with the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection: Sweet Oak. This 2025 limited-edition release is a masterful exploration of wood and flavor, hand-selected by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. By aging their classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon in rare Chinkapin Oak barrels, Woodford Reserve has created a smooth, flavorful whiskey that is a unique and brilliant twist on their signature style. Find this pinnacle of bourbon innovation through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
This exceptional bourbon is a testament to the art of maturation. The Chinkapin Oak barrels, known for their unique properties, impart a softer sweetness and enhance the bourbon's natural notes of fruit and spice. Presented at a robust 110.4 proof, the result is a beautifully complex and layered whiskey that is perfect for the discerning connoisseur and dedicated collector alike.
Key Specifications:
Product: Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Sweet Oak
Release: 2025 Annual Limited Edition
Proof | ABV: 110.4 Proof | 55.2% ABV
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Maturation: Aged in Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) barrels
Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY
Brand History: A Legacy of Innovation
The Woodford Reserve Distillery is a National Historic Landmark where the art of fine bourbon making has been practiced for over 200 years. The annual Master's Collection is the brainchild of the distillery's master distillers, created to push the creative boundaries of bourbon. Each release in the series, including this one curated by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, is a one-of-a-kind expression, exploring unique grain recipes, fermentation styles, and, in this case, a rare and flavorful type of oak.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Sweet Oak, Fruit, and Spice
The unique Chinkapin Oak maturation creates a stunningly complex and layered tasting experience:
Nose: A rich and inviting bouquet. Expect aromas of sweet honey, baked apples, and vanilla bean, beautifully interwoven with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a delicate floral character.
Palate: A wonderfully rich and full-bodied palate. A wave of soft, sweet caramel and brown sugar is expertly balanced by the bourbon's classic rye spice. The Chinkapin oak influence shines through with notes of ripe pear, toasted nuts, and warm baking spices.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet oak, dried fruit, and a sophisticated, gentle spice.
Why The 2025 Master's Collection is a Must-Have:
A Master Distiller's Selection: Hand-selected by Elizabeth McCall, this release is a direct expression of her vision and expertise.
Rare Chinkapin Oak Aging: The use of Chinkapin oak barrels provides a unique and complex flavor profile that is distinct from any other Woodford Reserve release.
A Highly Coveted Collectible: As the annual installment in the celebrated Master's Collection, this bottle is an essential addition for any serious whiskey collector.
Robust and Flavorful: Bottled at 110.4 proof, this bourbon delivers the full, unadulterated flavor of its unique maturation process.
This is a bourbon that rewards deep contemplation and celebrates the art of maturation at the highest level. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Sweet Oak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the Master's Collection?
A: The Master's Collection is Woodford Reserve's annual, limited-edition series that showcases their creativity and innovation. Each year, the Master Distiller creates a new, one-of-a-kind whiskey by experimenting with different aspects of the production process, such as mash bills, barrel types, or fermentation.
Q: What is Chinkapin Oak?
A: Chinkapin (Quercus muehlenbergii) is a species of white oak. When used for bourbon barrels, it is known for imparting a unique profile with a softer sweetness and more pronounced notes of spice compared to the more commonly used American White Oak (Quercus alba).
Q: Who is Elizabeth McCall?
A: Elizabeth McCall is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve. She is one of the youngest female Master Distillers in the history of Kentucky bourbon and is responsible for the innovation and quality of all Woodford Reserve products.
Q: Where can I purchase the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection?
A: This is a highly sought-after, allocated annual release. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
