Woodford Reserve Rye

I have to confess a private thing – I've been into cocktails recently. How shameful. But really, I needed to find a few excellent rye whiskies for making good Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. The issue is, whether neat or mixed, I generally loathe rye whiskey. I prefer rich, sweet bourbons and oaky whiskies and detest spice and the characteristic "licorice" taste some of these ryes possess. Yet, here I was in the rye whiskey aisle at my local Total Wine. A place I never imagined I'd be. A random thought – why do distilleries often choose green labels for their rye selections? I selected three, and naturally, being a glutton for punishment, I'll taste all three neat. First up is Woodford's entry into the rye market. The aroma brings spicy fruit to mind. Peppercorn, cinnamon, cedar, and candied orange peel cause a slight grimace. But if you persist, some cherry emerges with caramel and cocoa at the conclusion. The taste begins slightly spicy, but mint chocolate swirls subtly in the background, offering an intriguing rich sweetness I didn't anticipate from a rye. Quite tannic oak becomes apparent with the bitter orange rind from the aroma, and the flavor distinctly becomes rye whiskey. Grassy and herbaceous for sure toward the end of the taste, transitioning to the finish. The finish carries that tannic oak right through. Dry is the best description – tobacco, cinnamon spice, and grass serve as a reminder that this is indeed a rye whiskey. Even with that hint of sweet chocolate on the palate. I'm still uncertain if I'm a rye whiskey enthusiast when drinking it neat. However, I can't deny that a proper old fashioned and Manhattan require something spicier, fuller-bodied, and bolder to balance the bitters. Regarding rye whiskies, I'm sure Woodford is among the better ones, but I'll rate it a middle-of-the-road 2.75.

Wow! Ok... Ever since I got into Bourbon a couple of years ago, to pass the time during Covid's peak, I thought I didn't like rye in the mash bill. But I discovered there were some "high rye" bourbons that I actually enjoyed (Elijah Craig, 1792, etc.). So I decided to expand my whiskey interests and try some Rye.... I didn't want some extreme 95% rye option like Bulleit (whose bourbons I don't like — and the main reason I thought I wouldn't like rye), and opted for what could be considered a "low-rye Rye". At 53% rye, this one seemed ideal. I love it. Not only did I find it a good "bridge" between Rye and Bourbon, but it's genuinely just plain good. I detect butterscotch on the nose, as well as some bourbon-like leathery characteristics. The palate is sweet and not excessively spicy, as I had always anticipated a Rye whiskey would be. Just the right amount of spice. But I DID notice some elements that set it apart from all the bourbons I've had: Herbal notes and a different kind of spice. The expert review mentioned "malted milk chocolate." I completely got that as well. There's a richness to this that coats the tongue nicely, and the finish is very pleasant indeed, reminiscent of some high rye bourbons I've tasted. This is a success, and it gives me hope for more successful Rye explorations. Perhaps Elijah Craig, with its 51% rye mash bill could be a possible next step...

This has been a dependable option for me in bars for years—it’s about time I evaluate it. Nose: Pink cotton candy and vanilla. Toffee. It has a buttery quality. Apple and cherry. Dill. Lemon pepper. Black licorice. Almond and walnut. Clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and oak. Palate: Black pepper, clove, and nutmeg. Vanilla and toffee. Cinnamon Apple Jacks. Dill on the back end. Almond and walnut. Banana walnut muffin. Caramel. Cinnamon. Brown sugar. Finish: Walnut and pistachio. Clove, nutmeg, and white pepper. Brown sugar. Cinnamon. Oak. Toffee and vanilla. Rye bread and popcorn kernel. Pink cotton candy. Moderate length. Solid product. This rivals Michter’s for the top beginner rye—though at $40, it sits between entry-level and mid-shelf pricing. It doesn't particularly stand out or offer uniquely interesting notes like a Willett 4 year or a Col E.H. Taylor BiB. However, it is incredibly well-balanced and a strong representation of the American rye profile. I consider this a fine effort for a lower-mid-shelf offering. It was worth the $40 entry price, and I am pleased to have acquired this bottle. It compares more favorably to Woodford Double Oaked than the standard Bourbon. Nice product. A good starting point for a rye novice, yet respectable enough for an experienced drinker. 3.75/5.

Unfortunately, the appeal of this distillery's products doesn't resonate with me. Despite trying several expressions, I just don't understand the hype. With the exception of the Double Oaked Bourbon, I could skip them all. Even then, I find Old Forester's 1910 to be far superior. I mean no offense; their large following clearly indicates they're doing something right for many people, but I'm not one of them. Nevertheless, we included their rye, along with 11 others, in a rye whiskey tasting event last weekend. As you might expect from my previous comments, it didn't perform particularly well. It's not a bad whiskey, just not very interesting. I personally detect very few of the tasting notes others mention, though that's not unusual. To be honest, I usually either like something or I don't. It's a simple pass/fail for me. Anyway, this is just alright in my opinion. A typical "whiskey" aroma, very little rye spice on the palate, and a short, dry finish. It might be a good starting point for those new to ryes. But for those already familiar, I believe there are much better choices available.

As is often the case with Rye, this dram is quite spicy. But unlike many ryes, this one is very well-balanced. The nose is very floral and sweet, in addition to that spice. There are even some fruity notes hidden beneath. The palate, on the other hand, is very rich, with a light tobacco note and some herbal qualities as well. Perhaps a little molasses too, contributing to a gentle sweetness. Overall, it's a damn good rye, one of my favorites in fact. And it's approachable, even for those who don't typically favor rye whiskey.

A wonderful blend of spice and sweetness makes this a rye that bourbon enthusiasts will find very accessible and engaging. The full-bodied, oaky profile is prominent, while the complex, dark sweetness and earthy spices complement each other. The lingering, warm aftertaste is pleasing and highlights the sweeter, smoother notes. Woodford Reserve has skillfully produced this bottle at an affordable price, making it a worthy addition to a regular rotation in the cabinet.