Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 128.3

Aroma: vanilla, charred toast, overly sweet cherries, alcohol. Taste: smooth caramel and chocolate banana, followed by a hint of dried plum. Aftertaste: rye and black pepper spice, cinnamon, heavy charred oak. Wonderful aroma, decent taste, the finish is a bit sharp (even considering the alcohol content). The high alcohol content seems to improve the taste after the initial sip. This would receive a higher rating if the finish were longer and didn't present as an intense amount of dry oak with black pepper. Adding 3 drops of water transforms everything. The complexity of the aroma is reduced and deteriorates. The taste becomes a beautiful mix of coffee cake, almonds, and toffee. The finish shifts to a less heavily charred black pepper and cinnamon that fades into spearmint and honey. Is this an improvement? I believe the aroma is worse, and the taste and finish are better, but the finish remains excessively dry. Value: B-, to be clear. This remains a very good bourbon, but for the price in the US, I anticipate an exceptional bottle for over $100, and this falls short. If you are looking for a bourbon that makes you feel like your teeth are sinking into the barrel's char, this finish is for you.

I really enjoyed the double oaked Woodford, so this was my next choice. It's tough to find locally and a bit expensive, but absolutely worth the effort. Neat: The proof is noticeable initially, but it mellows nicely after a few sips. The aroma suggests maple and/or molasses. Tasting notes mention cherry, oak, rye, and leather with subtle vanilla. The finish is quite long, evoking cherry candy with a hint of spice. With Ice: The maple aroma is subdued, replaced by vanilla. The taste is primarily leather and spice, with subtle vanilla. The ice tempers the intensity but also diminishes some of the neat flavors. Overall, this is quite impressive. I'll savor it. Woodford really put in a strong effort here. Highly recommended.

A bottle was procured to mark the arrival of a child. The seal has finally been broken! Sampled neat in a Glencairn, allowed to sit for a mere moment for a photo before digging in. Nose: Vanilla, orange, cherry cola, caramel, alcohol. Palate: Rich caramel, black cherry, candied cherry, molasses, lingering cherry cola, brown sugar. This is an overwhelming cherry caramel experience!! It feels substantial in the mouth, with ample spicy fruit that constantly reminds you of its high alcohol content. Finish: An alcoholic burn at the front of the tongue, robust spicy citrus at the back of the throat, dark corn syrup and vanilla/caramel lingering at the very end. A lengthy, sweet, oily finish.

Aroma: Chocolate, vanilla, caramel cream, oak, hints of burnt wood. It presents a classic Woodford aroma, amplified. I was taken aback by the heat. Even though it's barrel proof, Woodford isn't typically known for being somewhat fiery and having ethanol present in any of its expressions. Taste: The palate mirrors the aroma, with chocolate and caramel leading the way. Adding a small amount of water reveals a subtle cinnamon spice and pepper. Dare I say, it's reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate? Finish: Abundant oak with a touch of bitterness. The smoky flavor also persists. It drinks like its high proof. This is my least favorite aspect. Conclusion: It missed the mark for me.

Among the finest high-proof spirits I've encountered. Simultaneously, due to my frugality, it ranks among the priciest bottles I've ever acquired. I was quite hesitant, but thought, “What the heck? How often will I have the chance to sample this…?” It proved to be an excellent choice. Intense spicy fruit with a pleasing burn reminiscent of a well-matured Booker's on the nose. It immediately hits the palate with spiced caramel, then settles into a long, smooth conclusion. The high proof was discernible but masterfully handled... the real challenge now is resisting the urge to finish the entire bottle at once.

Nose: Pleasant aroma with some floral notes. Palate: A blend of sweet notes with a good mouthfeel and viscosity. The flavor and heat linger. Finish: The flavor continues and concludes with a spicy warmth. Woodford starts very intensely and then mellows at the last moment, making it truly enjoyable. Almost too much flavor. I believe the bottle needs some time to air out, so I'm anticipating the second tasting in a couple of weeks.