Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish

A little background

Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish is a limited-edition release crafted from a blend of rye and bourbon whiskey combined with bourbon finished in Tawny Port barrels. This composition highlights the distillery’s blending and finishing approach, incorporating both traditional bourbon and rye components alongside a secondary maturation influence. The whiskey is bottled at 90.4 proof and continues the Distillery Series mission of showcasing experimental production techniques within the Woodford Reserve portfolio.

Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish carries an MSRP of $64.99 for a 375ml bottle and is available in limited quantities through select Kentucky retailers, the Woodford Reserve Distillery, and online shipping to select states. The mash bill components include both bourbon and rye bases, reflecting the hybrid nature of the blend used to create this release.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Amber

Nose

White cake with vanilla icing, taffy, tangerine, eggnog, nutmeg, apple, cinnamon, stewed strawberries, and rhubarb.

Palate

Cinnamon, dark red fruit, brown sugar, vanilla, raisins, cherry, and oak.

Finish

Nutmeg, cocoa, coffee, cinnamon, raisins, walnuts, oak, and caramel.

In closing

Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish offers an invitingly sweet and evolving nose that sets the stage for a flavorful experience. The palate delivers a lively burst of character that gradually blooms into a finish marked by warm spice and deeper, darker notes, even if the sweetness suggested by the aroma doesn’t fully carry through. While the finish isn’t particularly long and some flavors require a bit of digging to uncover, the overall profile is engaging and enjoyable. Though priced on the higher side and limited in availability, it’s certainly worth a try if you come across a bottle.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Woodford Reserve. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.