Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey

I've been aware of Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey for some time and have always wanted to try it but prioritized other spirits. Well, today is the day. The aroma is so delicate and light; you truly have to search for the scents. But once found, there's an almost dessert-like quality reminiscent of warm apple cider. Caramel, chocolate, and hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick evoke memories of enjoying dessert by a fireplace. Speaking of fireplaces, if you search deeply enough, there's a subtle hint of tannic oak. The palate offers a truly unique taste, unlike anything I've experienced in whiskey before. Vanilla and oak are slightly apparent, but a very peculiar yet satisfying Andes chocolate mint sensation dominates the mid-palate. This becomes the primary flavor profile. The finish dries out in a more traditional manner, with the tannic oak reappearing from the aroma. Dark chocolate and peppercorns are also present. What an incredibly intriguing whiskey. It's so different that I can't definitively say if it's good or not, as I lack a standard for comparison. Therefore, I'll assign it an agreeable 3.5 and recommend you try it for its sheer uniqueness.

It's uncommon to encounter "Kentucky Straight WHEAT whiskey" on a label, especially from a well-regarded distillery such as Woodford Reserve. This whiskey's name comes from its mash bill, which is over 51% wheat. This intriguing bottling from Woodford is presented at 45.2% ABV. The aroma offers hints of rice, paper, yeast, and bread, reminiscent of a yellow apple infusion with red fruits. With some air, it develops into creamy gelato. A few sips in, a pleasant burnt caramel note emerges, similar to crème brûlée. The palate features dulce de leche and "Brazo Gitano" (a type of rolled cake with dulce de leche, flour, and powdered sugar), along with honey, hay, and alcohol-derived spices. The finish wasn't particularly enjoyable. It felt somewhat immature and harsh, with a strong bite, offering notes of honey and hay. Ultimately, I believe this endeavor didn't succeed. There's little remarkable about it, and the flavors seem underdeveloped. I'm glad I tried this before many of you, so I can advise you to skip it. My rating is 68 out of 100.

The aroma is immediately dominated by vanilla, followed by oak and spice from the rye and barley mash. Peanut shells and semi-sweet dark chocolate are also detected. Tasting notes include brown sugar and vanilla that coat the palate. Spices occupy the back of the throat without being overwhelming. There's also a slightly off-putting musty note present. The finish is surprisingly long, especially considering the relatively low proof. While I'm a huge fan of wheated bourbons, the mash bill here might have an excess of barley and insufficient corn, resulting in astringency and mustiness. It's interesting, but not as accomplished as the standard Woodford bourbon, and far inferior to the Double Oaked offering. Nose: 3/5 Taste: 3/5 Overall: 3/5 Repurchase: No Type: Everyday Drinker/Mixer

The aroma is subtle, with notes of toasted oak, smoke, and nuts, eventually revealing vanilla and a hint of caramel. It's fairly mild, but its distinctiveness from other Woodford whiskies and even other wheat whiskies is notable. The palate is somewhat dry, beginning with a strong burst of spice that tingles the tongue and the front of the mouth. Its pronounced spiciness makes it somewhat unbalanced, but smoother notes of vanilla and a touch of astringent cherry are present in the background. The finish is medium in length, with lingering notes of spice and cherry. It's a pleasant experience, but the balance isn't quite sufficient to make it memorable.

Let's describe this aroma as... tingly. Not a lot going on. I suspect this is due to needing to deeply inhale before any scents emerge. When they do, a little cinnamon, a little plant matter. And that's the extent of it. The palate is... acceptable. Notes of baking spices, a hint of vanilla, perhaps some wood. It also exhibits an odd characteristic, similar to what I've only encountered with Balvenie, where all the flavor is distributed in a ring around your mouth, with a void in the center of your taste receptors. Despite this, I enjoy it. Is it exceptional? No. Is it unforgettable? No. But it fulfills its intended purpose. And one can always depend on Woodford to deliver a respectable product. Pay no mind to its star rating.

Allowed to rest for approximately 20-30 minutes. Aroma: sweet, some fruit, perhaps a hint of vanilla pudding, notes of almond extract, a slight touch of oak. Palate: Initially, the mouthfeel was extremely thin, almost nonexistent. Some cinnamon-apples were present. As it sat longer, it became nuttier, with almonds noticeable in the aroma and on the palate. Finish: A slight bite at the end, but overall it remained quite sweet. I won't be purchasing another bottle. It might serve well as a mixer. Enjoy your holiday!