Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 121.2

I used to think Woodford's Batch Proof was consistent yearly, so I skipped buying more after my initial try some years ago. What a mistake. I'm correcting that this year. The 2024 version is at a high 121.2 proof, and similar to past years, the alcohol level doesn't sting. The aroma has a slight ethanol note from the proof, but it's within expectations. Vanilla and brown sugar are accompanied by baking spices, creating a delightful, traditional bourbon smell. The palate starts sweet with brown sugar and a hint of cocoa. Curiously, I don't detect much vanilla, possibly overshadowed by the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar explosion in the middle. As that spice and the related tingling sensation fade, tannic oak becomes prominent, drying the palate. Oak lingers into the finish, which is long and slick, with little else present. There's a subtle tartness, like some kind of berry, on the finish, but it's hard to distinguish beyond the oak. Overall, another strong offering. Now that I'm aware of Woodford's Batch Proof variations, I'll look forward to each special release.

The aroma is striking with black cherry, aged mahogany, brown sugar, crème brûlée, and possibly saltwater taffy, along with newspaper pulp, cola, sun-dried tomato, and Spanish peanut. The ethanol is surprisingly low for its proof. I could spend all day just smelling this. The taste delivers black cherry, rich chocolate syrup, the crème brûlée from the nose, sticky pipe tobacco, roasted wood, French vanilla, very ripe date, and an unidentifiable musty note, which I'll term “rickhouse funk.” It’s a very “dark” spirit. The flavors are incredibly intense and bold. The medium-length finish becomes sharply spicy. Notes of cinnamon, pink peppercorn, a charcoal-like barrel char, bitter oak, leather, berry, and some unabsorbed ethanol appear. A tart, sour cherry emerges after everything else dissipates. The rapid shift to a spice bomb is somewhat disappointing. The mouthfeel is viscous and exceptionally oily, which would be wonderful if the finish were more satisfying. I acquired this bottle for under $120 at Total Wine, and I'm not particularly disappointed. It most closely resembles Elijah Craig barrel proof, which is often a better value. While I enjoyed it, I believe it had the potential to be exceptional, but the flawed finish relegates it to the “good” category.

Brown sugar, caramel and marshmallow notes are prominent on the nose. Some more subtle hints of orange citrus notes, vanilla and nuttiness also appear. Ethanol notes are also present on nose when going too deep. Initial sip is sweet, full of caramel and vanilla. Mid-palate gives way to a toasted oak and a spicy heat. Long finish that is drying and presents notes of dark chocolate and espresso.

It's hot throughout, as anticipated. There are some underlying notes of wood oak and sweetness, but the heat obscures much of it. I am curious to compare it in a blind tasting of cask strengths, however. I'm uncertain if it's worth the MSRP based on the initial pour.

This drinks hot. I'm still getting accustomed to higher proof bourbons, and I do appreciate some, but this one feels hot. It reminds me of Four Roses SB Barrel Strength. In a blind tasting against Stagg Jr, I identified the Stagg, but some others preferred this one... so they are comparable.

The mouthfeel is moderately rich with a sweetness of dried fruit and brown sugar. There's also a hint of oak. It drinks much smoother than its stated proof suggests. It has numerous layers of flavor with a medium to long finish. My only complaint is the 700ml bottle size, why?!