Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, the famous annual horse race in Louisville, Kentucky. The bourbon brand is widely accepted because of its great flavor profile and fair price.
If you want to try the best Woodford Reserve bourbon, you have come to the right place because we will give you an honest review of what Woodford Reserve offers. Read on.
9 Best Woodford Reserve Bourbons (Including Limited Edition)
9. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby
Average Price: Roughly $52.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve is the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, and this commemorative bottle is released for this Kentucky Derby 2022 [1].
This year’s bottle features Corum’s painting “Dreams in Bloom.” Jaime Corum is a Kentucky native equine artist behind the bottle art.
You could bring the commemorative bottle home if you missed the Kentucky Derby this year. Inside the bottle is the Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey with a unique and rich flavor profile.
8. Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $59.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked bourbon is the brand’s innovative approach to the traditional bourbon process.
The bourbon whiskey is uniquely matured in different charred oak barrels. After aging in the usually charred oak barrels, it will undergo second maturation in a barrel that is toasted twice but charred lightly for additional nine months.
The deep amber bourbon whiskey has rich notes of caramel, sharp honey, dark fruit, and toasted oak na marzipan. It is full body with long, creamy, and lingering hints of sweet apple and char.
Read: Woodford Reserve Bourbon vs Knob Creek
7. Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Straight bourbon whiskey is the flagship bourbon of the brand, and it was released in 1996. It comprises more than 200 flavor notes from spices, sweet aromatics, bold grain, floral, and fruit.
Woodford Reserve straight bourbon whiskey is aged for at least seven years in new charred oak barrels, as aging in barrels imparts flavor and color to the whiskey [2].
The brilliant honey amber spirit has a heavy aroma of dried fruits, mint, oranges, and cocoa.
6. Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $549.99 (Cask Cartel)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare Bourbon is the Master’s Collection No. 16 from the Woodford Reserve Distillery. It is a fine bourbon whiskey matured in newly charred oak barrels for a refined and wonderful flavor profile for sixteen years.
Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare Bourbon is best consumed neat or on the rocks.
While it is a versatile spirit, it would be a waste to consume it with mixers because it has an amazing flavor profile.
Read: Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon
5. Woodford Reserve Toasted Oak Oat Grain
Average Price: Roughly $192.99 (Frootbat.com – 375 ml)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Toasted Oak Oat Grain is a bourbon finished in new, heavily toasted barrels for a rich and bold flavor profile. It is a limited-release bourbon launched last June 2022.
It has a rich aroma of raisin oatmeal cookies, cocoa, dark chocolate, and molasses. On the palate, it has sharp spice notes of cinnamon and clove. Also, it has a dry finish with hints of chocolate bitters.
4. Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof Bourbon (Spring 2021)
MSRP: Roughly $130 (2021)
Alcohol Content: 64.15%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Spring 2021 is a limited-release bourbon. Master Distiller Chris Morris released the high-proof whiskey, a blend of multiple barrels on their cask strength.
Aside from the different barrel proof, the Spring 2021 bourbon is housed in a different bottle shape. It has a bold character and deep flavor profile that you can consume neat and on the rocks.
Read: Buffalo Trace Bourbon vs Woodford Reserve
3. Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 118.4 Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $269.99 (Liquor and Beyond)
Alcohol Content: 59.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Batch Proof is a 118.4 Proof bourbon and one of the limited editions offered by the popular bourbon brand. It is crafted using the similar mash bill of Woodford Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon, but it is bottled in its actual proof and straight from the barrel.
The Batch Proof bourbon takes a whole new level of bourbon because it gives the purest form of Woodford Reserve. It has a trademark of sweet vanilla and toasted oak with a dried fruit taste.
2. Limited Edition Woodford Reserve Holiday Bottle
Average Price: $109.99 (Frootbat.com)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Holiday Bottle is a made-to-gift bourbon whiskey and a limited release from Brown-Forman Corporation. It is a Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey in a bottle, ready to dazzle on your holiday home bar.
1. Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition
Average Price: Roughly $2,300 (ReserveBar)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is a heritage and history in one bottle. It is crafted using Kentucky bourbon in XO Cognac barrels.
Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition has a nice balance of French and American oak notes, subtle spiciness, complex fruit character, and a creamy finish.
FAQs
What’s the most expensive Woodford Reserve bourbon?
Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is the most expensive Woodford Reserve bourbon. It costs around $2,300 per 750 ml, and in return, it will give you a remarkable, elegant, and luxurious taste.
Is Woodford Reserve a good sipping bourbon?
Yes, Woodford Reserve is a good sipping bourbon. It has a nice palate profile with the right balance of sweetness and spiciness. But which bourbon is similar to Woodford Reserve?
How do you drink Woodford Reserve bourbon?
You can drink Woodford Reserve bourbon neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail. It is a versatile spirit, so you can consume it as it is, with a splash of water, ice, or mixers. You can try it as a base liquor for Old Fashioned.
What makes Woodford Reserve bourbon special?
Woodford Reserve bourbon is celebrated for its rich and complex flavor profile, crafted using high-quality ingredients and a meticulous distillation process.
Is there a specific type of Woodford Reserve bourbon considered the best?
While all Woodford Reserve bourbons maintain a high standard of quality, some enthusiasts may prefer limited edition releases or single barrel selections for their unique characteristics.
How do I determine the best Woodford Reserve bourbon for me?
Experimenting with different expressions of Woodford Reserve, such as Double Oaked or Distiller’s Select, can help you discover the flavor profile that best suits your taste preferences.
What flavors can I expect from the best Woodford Reserve bourbon?
The best Woodford Reserve bourbons typically offer a balanced blend of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak flavors, with subtle nuances that vary depending on the specific expression.
Are there any special releases or limited editions of Woodford Reserve bourbon?
Yes, Woodford Reserve periodically releases special editions and limited releases, such as Master’s Collection releases or Distillery Series expressions, offering unique and experimental flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
Woodford Reserve bourbon is an amazing American whiskey. The core bottles of Woodford Reserve, from standard offerings to limited editions, are well-matured and masterfully crafted.
Aside from being a good-entry bourbon, the best Woodford Reserve bourbon is modestly priced and can be easy to find, so try a bottle now.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilyprice/2022/03/01/woodford-reserve-debuts-its-2022-kentucky-derby-bottles/
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/effect-of-aging-on-liquor-759921
