Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 123.6

If a distiller chooses not to dilute a whisky, is it enhanced? The straightforward answer is no; it's the same whisky without added water. Sometimes this is paired with non-chill filtration, which does provide an enhanced effect. Other times, selecting specific barrels can achieve this. With ECBP, you're getting an older whisky. Woodford has opted for less dilution, a premium bottle, and a significant price increase. Before tasting, a warning: DO NOT ADD WATER! Nose - It's distinctly Woodford. That dark chocolate, brown sugar, sweet, and completely unpolished, entry-level bourbon profile. Excellent Brown-Forman characteristics are present, though less pronounced. It feels consistently produced, suggesting strong quality control and a major corporate presence, yet an exceptional master distiller and blender were involved to make it work. It strongly resembles a higher-proof Woodford and nothing else. Taste - Here, the youth and unrefined nature of Woodford become more apparent, revealing a spirit-forward and younger whisky. It's evident they selected standard Woodford barrels for this. It's sweet, with chocolate, a hint of banana, a subtle Dr. Pepper-like note, and overall, like Woodford, a good bourbon for those who prefer sweetness. The alcohol is harsh and overpowering. I tried adding water, but even a small amount dilutes it significantly; the chill filtration unfortunately detracts from the cask strength effort. I aim to evaluate whiskies based solely on what's in the glass, but this one compels me to comment on the price and, frankly, the regrettable decision regarding what I strongly suspect is a chill-filtered product, though I'll try to refrain. Woodford is a highly enjoyable bourbon, and I'm a big fan of the Double Oak. This is far inferior to the Double Oak, not even close in comparison. Instead, it's the most uninspired and dull, yet overpowering, high-proof bourbon I've ever encountered. However, it possesses good foundational qualities for a young bourbon. For a 1.75L bottle, the price is likely too high, but I appreciate Woodford and higher proofs, even when they are compromised by poor choices. The true disappointment lies in what this could have been with longer aging, carefully selected barrels, and no chill filtration. Woodford could produce not just a world-class bourbon, but a world-class whisky that could compete with the best. Instead, they settle for mediocrity.

Initially, there's acetone and peaches. Curious. It has a pleasing copper hue and leaves quick streaks. The aroma presents significant oak char, ethanol, and beneath that, some rye. The first inhale feels a bit searing. As that sensation subsides, I detect dried pineapple, mint, a hint of cherry pie, and warm spice. So far, there are many distinct layers that seem to harmonize and develop as it rests. I'm even picking up roasted hazelnuts, vanilla cream, and leather. Given it's Woodford, I often find the aroma surpasses the taste... this is warm, thick, spicy, and moves slowly down the throat before exiting the nose. The finish is buttery with hints of toffee, oak, and that dried pineapple. It's sweet but with undertones of On the second tasting, I get more butterscotch and leather upfront. The tannins are becoming apparent as my mouth tingles and the spice and heat persist in my chest. Mint and oak linger on the back of my tongue as well. It leaves me wanting another sip. Minutes later, the rye yields notes of cacao nibs. Wow. It's not an easy drink, nor is it inexpensive. For a non-age-stated, batch-proof expression (compared to my $50 bottle of 18-25 Noah's Mill yesterday evening) this was a fantastic $140. That said, I had the pleasure of touring the scenic and winding country roads of Versailles, KY, and acquiring this directly from their beautiful distillery grounds, complete with brick/stone aging houses and a tranquil, moss-covered pond. I'm convinced by the taste and finish for the first time with a Woodford product. This one is consistently rewarding. It reminds me of an Old Forester 1920 dialed up significantly. Not sure how such a remarkable creation could be priced. I'd say it's comparable to Cream of Kentucky in terms of rarity, cost, and complexity, but possesses a superior mouthfeel, more intensity, and lingering warmth. Both cost $140 and both are excellent for my depleted bank account. This one is slightly less balanced and more oak-forward but has a higher proof and a longer finish. A touch of water might bring them into closer alignment, but I prefer it as is. Cheers!

This is an excellent bourbon in every regard, and I disagree with the negative feedback I've encountered, which largely stems from its price rather than the spirit itself. I believe most bourbon enthusiasts would agree that the standard Woodford Reserve is one of the most definitive bourbons available. After my initial taste of Woodford, I was curious about the barrel proof version, and now I have my answer. This spirit is much richer than the regular Woodford, retaining all the same flavor notes. Its oily texture coats the palate exceptionally well, leading to a smooth and enduring finish. I detect notes of brown butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup initially. The mid-palate delivers a strong cherry flavor, followed by a pleasant spicy oak finish that lingers. I don't think comparing this to the double oaked version is fair, as they aim for entirely different profiles. Furthermore, I believe it's crucial to review a spirit solely on its merits, independent of its cost. All things considered, this tastes very much like a premium bourbon. It is complex, highly enjoyable, and offers a truly distinct experience. I purchased it at the suggested retail price and have no regrets. Ultimately, the best spirit is the one you enjoy drinking.

The aroma is a wonderfully rich blend of oak, spicy floral rye, black pepper, with undertones of cherry and ripe fruit. It presents as very full-bodied, with significant depth in its components. The initial taste is hot, dry, and chewy, saturating the mouth with rye spice and black pepper. Milder notes of oak and cherry syrup emerge later, but the first sip is undeniably spice and heat forward. The spice gradually softens, but it remains the most prominent characteristic, leading to a slightly unbalanced profile. The conclusion is long and spicy, with persistent pepper causing a tingling sensation at the sides of the mouth. This had considerable promise, but the spice unfortunately disrupts the overall harmony.

While I appreciate the standard Woodford offering, I've never purchased a bottle. However, I've enjoyed having the cask strength versions available. This 2020 edition is no different. Yes, it's at the higher end of my usual spending range, but it's readily accessible and on the shelf, and I believe it provides a distinct combination of flavors. The nose offers notes of cedar, oak, dried apricot, and leather. It smells wonderful. The palate isn't overly complex but is exceptionally bold. Molasses, brown sugar, vanilla, tart cherry, and sweet oak are present on the palate. The finish is lengthy and highlights a really pleasant dose of vanilla, cocoa, white pepper, maple syrup, and a hint of worn leather. It's a purely delightful experience.

I've kept this bottle for years and mainly use it for blind evaluations. I just now noticed I never documented my thoughts. Considering the proof, the aroma is subtle yet very pleasant. Notes of cherry, prune, cinnamon, bubble gum, and hay are present without overwhelming the senses with alcohol. The taste mirrors this with a faint floral hint. Spice is prominent but remains well-balanced. The finish is moderate, with cinnamon giving way to light apple and finally dark chocolate. It has less cherry than I typically detect from Brown Foreman. It's certainly overpriced, but it offers more complexity than Old Forester 1920, and the bottle itself is stunning.