A little background

Located in Versailles, Kentucky, the heart of thoroughbred country, sits Woodford Reserve Distillery. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, and Chambord.

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is Woodford Reserve Bourbon that has been aged an additional three years in XO cognac casks from France. This limited release is bottled in a handmade Baccarat crystal decanter that took five days to create in Baccarat, France. According to Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, “Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is a celebration of history, a celebration of the connections between France and Kentucky — and a celebration of the finest flavors of bourbon and cognac”. Woodford Baccarat is bottled at 90.4 Proof and carries a retail price of $2,000 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Brown Copper

Nose

Butter, caramel, pancake batter, nutmeg, clove, orange marmalade, and vanilla.

Palate

Dusty cocoa, Tootsie Roll, orange citrus, raisins, dried fruit, and cinnamon.

Finish

Lemon-vanilla, corn syrup, chocolate, and oak.

In closing

Overall, the nose and palate of Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition are most notable. The palate comes in strong with a delicious punch of chocolate and dark fruit flavors and a nice mouthfeel. The finish is pleasant, but definitely the most underwhelming part of the tasting experience. This is a great pour of bourbon that unfortunately carries a very large price tag. Unless you’re in the market for a special Baccarat crystal decanter, the $2,000 price tag is going to be a massive barrier for entry on this one.