Tasting notes·Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148
Every year, Woodford Reserve celebrates the Kentucky Derby with a limited edition release. The Kentucky Derby 148 bottle is not only visually striking—designed by renowned equine artist Jaime Corum—but also aims to capture the elegance and power of the iconic horse race in its flavor profile. But does this bourbon live up to the promise of its exclusive design?
The panel
Mean 78.0 · spread 0
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Woodford Reserve
- Type
- Bourbon
- Country
- USA
- Strength
- 45.2% ABV
- Character
- delicate
Tasting
Nose
On the nose, the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148 stays true to its roots: caramel and vanilla form the foundation, while honey and a hint of orange add a pleasant sweetness. Spicy rye notes and a nutty depth follow, with brown sugar and oak rounding out the experience.
Palate
On the palate, this bourbon is full-bodied and well-rounded. Caramel and toasted nuts dominate the first impression, accompanied by a pleasant oak spice. The rye spice is more pronounced than in the classic Woodford Reserve, adding extra character to this Derby release. A subtle dryness provides structure, while delicate notes of coffee beans and cocoa add depth.
Finish
The medium-length finish continues the more intense notes: dark cocoa and a touch of cinnamon linger before fading into an elegant oak note. A worthy ending that doesn't overwhelm but remains memorable.
Verdicts
Marcel
Anyone who enjoys a solid bourbon with a bit more spice and character will be well served here – the Kentucky Derby 148 is charming, but not a showstopper. For collectors and Woodford fans, it’s a nice, stylish addition that scores points with its story and attractive design. No drama, but a pleasant companion for relaxed evenings.
Sascha
The Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148 impresses with its balanced interplay between sweet caramel notes and a spicy rye backbone, yet it remains rather conservative. Technically clean, with a medium-length, structured finish, it represents a successful, if not revolutionary, evolution within the portfolio. For connoisseurs who value harmony and subtle complexity, it comes highly recommended.
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