Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon

A little background

Woodford Reserve is a bar staple that comes in at a price point of around $35, a little more or a little less, depending on your location. The bourbon is non-age stated but it is suspected that it is around 7 years old. The mashbill is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The bourbon is a mixture of pot still whiskey distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky and column still whiskey from the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. The exact ratio of these two distillates that are used to create a barrel of Woodford Reserve is not disclosed.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Caramel

Nose

This is a very approachable bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, cinnamon, and mint. There is also a fruit influence with aromas of orange and dried fruit.

Palate

On the palate, the notes of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, and cinnamon carry over accompanied by orange and a touch of cocoa. The bourbon has a medium viscosity.

Finish

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon has a medium length finish that lingers around nicely for a 90.4 proof spirt with lots of cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruit as the bourbon moves its way across the palate and down the throat.

In closing

In conclusion, Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select is a bottle of bourbon that everybody should have on their bar. It hits all of the traditional bourbon flavors without breaking the bank. It also goes great in a cocktail such as an old fashioned or a mint julep during Kentucky Derby season. This could easily turn into a dally drinker.