Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Very Fine Rare Bourbon

The aroma presents oak, molasses, and a hint of vanilla. A strong dark chocolate presence, akin to 90%+ bars, emerges alongside smoke and char. Virginia/Perique pipe tobacco in the tin notes are present, with clove and nutmeg. Figs, red apples, and some toasted black pepper appear, complemented by a subtle orange oil perfume and a touch of floral notes. Despite the emphasis on aged components, there's a noticeable sweet, dusty corn and wintergreen character, reminiscent of Kix and Corn Pops. The blending is artful, demonstrating skillful use of oak and age for density and body, rather than relying on high proof. On the palate, oak intensifies from its prominent role in the aroma, with char and smoke being more forward. Molasses and vanilla are still detectable, but the oak limits their expression. Clove and nutmeg accompany significant tannin, with a balanced bitterness. The dark chocolate notes recede, revealing a new leather scent, like that found in shops in Florence. Dark fruits such as figs, blueberries, raisins, and prunes are present, along with freshly ground black pepper and that dusty corn note. The experience is focused on the mid and back palate, with substantial midrange and some top notes. A desire for more richness and depth, often associated with higher proof, is noted. The mouthfeel is medium with a drying quality. The finish is an intense wave of charred oak, black pepper, and molasses. Fresh vanilla beans and cream create a crème anglaise impression, slightly heavy on the vanilla. The black pepper subsides, allowing nutmeg and apples to appear over the oak, similar to chilled hot cider. The finish is medium-long, with dark chocolate emerging at the very end, its bitterness offering balance and contrast. Overall Execution: The level of craftsmanship is impressive, representing another fine example of a sophisticated bourbon. The blending is artful, and while aged stocks are highlighted, the overall balance is remarkable. The interplay of significant oak with sufficient sweetness and traditional distillery character maintains interest. Achieving this at a proof below 100 is commendable. While more dark brown sugar density would be welcome, the spirit is not faulted on this metric. It occupies a similar niche to a certain Wild Turkey Master's Keep offering. This is not for those seeking high proof or a dominant vanilla profile, nor does it reach the oak intensity of some other expressions. Instead, it showcases the potential of skilled palates, deep stock knowledge, and a commitment to high-level blending. While a full bottle might not be an easy recommendation, trying a glass is certainly advised. Pooling resources with friends for a bottle is also suggested. The decision to acquire this was a good one, and it may prove to be for others as well. Cheers!

Nose: The nose is heavy but well balanced and is packed full of baking aromas - pecan pie, cherry cobbler, treacle tart, cornbread, toasty oak and dark chocolate cake. There’s a reminiscence of smoke, like tobacco in an old leather pouch and a note that is almost like a sherry cask (nah, surely not). Very satisfying. Palate: Good arrival – full bodied, creamy, oily oak and big fruit flavors. Vanilla and dark honey in the development with some well managed oak tannin and spice notes, but nothing is bright or gaudy about this palate. It is magisterial and assured, but not boastful. The mouthfeel is exquisitely rounded. Finish: Medium/long. The dense woody fruit character tails off into brown sugar. A very well balanced profile that leans towards the oaky side of things, but not disarmingly so. There is an elegant and mature sweetness to the palate. I enjoyed this a lot. It comes on full-throttle but does not overwhelm and there is a charming gentle side to it as well. For me the proof is right on target and well chosen to showcase the style. Do NOT add water – it actively spoils this first-class bourbon. Expensive, but worth it. “Very Good”: 86/100 (4 stars).

The aroma is woody and bitter with dried green apple, a hint of orange, and caramel. The palate is somewhat thin and underwhelming, again tasting bitter and oaky. A subtle cherry note is present, with green apple still noticeable. The finish is rather brief. Overall, a degree of disappointment is felt. This was the most costly bottle purchased, and its value is questionable. It might serve as a display piece for aged bourbon, but it's not a preferred choice. Another tasting might occur, but trading it seems likely. I employ the rating scale below. The distiller uses a 5-point system; I use a 10-point system. It's assumed you can perform the conversion! 1. Abysmal - So poor it was discarded. 2. Unsatisfactory - Would not consume by choice. 3. Flawed - Contains multiple deficiencies. 4. Below average - Not terrible, but many other options are preferred. 5. Average - Meets expectations. 6. Very good - Exceeds average. 7. Excellent - Significantly above average. 8. Exceptional - In a class of its own. 9. Outstanding - An all-time favorite. 10. Flawless

Nose: Caramel, dark brown sugar, subtle dried fruit, cereal grain, pine, juniper, and pronounced rye spice. Taste: Intense bitter oak, dusty and grainy rye spice, brown sugar, mild caramel, extremely dry with strong tannins. The finish is lengthy and oily, featuring bitter tannic oak and a whisper of scorched sugar. Sampled this at Alley Twenty Six during their Whiskey Wednesday event, where the featured whiskey was offered at cost. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to taste it there rather than spending $130 on a bottle. It's drastically overpriced; I would prefer standard Woodford Reserve. At a certain point, bourbon becomes excessively aged and oaked, and this bottle is a perfect illustration of that.

Aroma: vanilla, allspice, cinnamon, light cherry, barrel char, and light oak Taste: cinnamon, light woodiness, walnut, dark chocolate Body: light Overall: a well-balanced drink from start to finish. Nothing is overpowering or bold. It leans towards the woody side of the flavor profile, with just a hint of chocolatey char from a double-oak finish, without the candy-like sweetness. The age is noticeable, but the oak doesn't dominate. It reminds me somewhat of Kentucky Spirit, with a bit more flavor.

Aroma: typical Woodford sweetness. I do detect some nice oak on the aroma too! Lots of vanilla. Taste: a very, very mild palate. Lots and lots of oak and vanilla. Honestly similar to a good private barrel double oaked selection but with less intensity. Finish: malty, sweet, and also oaky. Overall: not incredibly amazing. I think it's just as good as a great private barrel double oaked selection I've had. Definitely not worth the price, so this will be my only bottle of this.