Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 118.4 Proof Bourbon

A Little Background

Woodford Reserve Batch Proof is part of the annual Master’s Collection series, which according to Woodford Reserve celebrates Master Distiller Chris Morris’ vision and Woodford Reserve’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship within the bourbon and whiskey category and a celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary batching process –  A celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary batching process – blending barrels into a batch and bottling the whiskey at its actual proof, straight from the barrel – Batch Proof is crafted using the same grain bill and process as Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This release of Woodford Reserve Batch Proof is bottled at 118.4 proof and has an MSRP of $130.

Mashbill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Distillery: Woodford Reserve/Brown-Forman Distillery
Age: No Age Statement
Proof / ABV: 118.4 Proof / 59.2% ABV
Retail Price: $130

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Copper

Nose

Cinnamon, banana, cherry, salted caramel, vanilla, and oak.

Palate

Pancake syrup, coffee, orange, leather, baking chocolate, barrel char, and oak.

Finish

In closing

I found this release of Woodford Reserve Batch Proof to be quite unique from previous batches I’ve tried. Primarily around the fact that this release wasn’t nearly as sweet as others. The sweet notes of pancake syrup on this batch are balanced out nicely with dark flavors of coffee, cocoa, and lather. Aside from a slight astringency on the finish, the alcohol on this bourbon is very well integrated. Overall, I was quite impressed with this release of Woodford Reserve 118.4 Batch Proof.

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.