Tasting notes·Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select is a Kentucky bourbon known for its classic yet full-bodied style. The Woodford Reserve Distillery produces a series of four straight whiskeys, each highlighting a primary grain. The Distiller’s Select is a bourbon, meaning it contains at least 51% corn, complemented by rye and malted barley. One standout feature is its pot still distillation – a rarity among Kentucky bourbons, adding depth and complexity to the final product.
The panel
Mean 74.0 · spread 4
Value for money 4/5
- Distillery
- Woodford Reserve
- Type
- Bourbon
- Country
- USA
- Strength
- 43.2% ABV
- Character
- delicate
Tasting
Nose
On the nose, this bourbon presents a rich bouquet of traditional notes. Sweet caramel blends with vanilla and honey, while oak undertones add depth. A fresh orange note introduces a fruity brightness, while a hint of solvent and subtle rye spice highlight its grain composition.
Palate
The palate is well-balanced and harmonious. Honey sweetness meets fresh citrus and juicy nectarines. A generous amount of rye spice gives the bourbon an appealing sharpness and depth. Caramel and oak provide a classic bourbon character that is both rich and satisfying.
Finish
The finish is medium in length and pleasantly warming. Tobacco notes take center stage, accompanied by the distinctive spiciness of rye and oak, creating a well-rounded and lasting impression.
Verdicts
Marcel
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select brings fun to the glass and impresses with its sweet caramel and honey notes – a bourbon that delivers uncomplicated enjoyment and is perfect for a relaxed evening. Not overly complex, but with enough character to keep it interesting.
Sascha
With a balanced harmony of sweetness, rye spice, and oak, Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select presents itself as a structured bourbon that, despite its classic style, offers a pleasant depth. The medium-length tobacco and spice notes on the finish provide a coherent, lasting conclusion.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Woodford Reserve as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £109 across 94 lots · 2024-08