This week has been a scorcher, so I wanted to do a review this week with something a bit more cozy. I present a name many of you are likely familiar with; Woodford Reserve! A favourite of many bourbon drinkers, myself included; so let’s dissect what goes into this beautiful little dram.
Bottled at 43.2% ABV, Woodford needs almost no introduction, as its reputation proceeds it. A very accessible bottle, available at most large stores and at a higher but still reasonable price point, with a flavour favoured by most who try it. Going in, this bottle already has a great head start compared to other spirits.
The aroma is blissful, strong vanilla and butterscotch notes swirl with a very slight hint of mint to add a cool pinch to the end. A lovely rich and creamy smell overall. The front maintains the vanilla, but it’s more subdued. Instead, wild honey and sweet citrus treats the palette, setting the stage for the main body to soar.
Said body is more complex, with a focus on cocoa and toffee and a mild smoke influence. There’s also an undercurrent of cinnamon and toasted oak, grounding the wild medley of flavours in some rich, chewy, earthy goodness. The finish is unusual for a bourbon, but very much appeals to me. Rich smoke, complimented by a complex blend of sweet spice and a slight coconut influence; all rounded off with the familiar mature oak signature. These flavours harken back to certain notes often found in rum, which may be why I enjoy it so much.
Diluted the flavour is simpler, but no less interesting. The oak notes are far more pronounced, with mild vanilla still present in both the nosing as well as the palette itself. The nosing has some new winter spice notes, as well as a small presence of smoke, to help round out the aroma.
This is a delightfully smooth dram which is in no way overpowering with it’s flavour, but is also not too subtle to fall flat. A perfectly balanced whiskey, no matter how you drink it. Ideally, I like to drink this on the rocks with some ice, however from experience I know this bourbon is also a force to be reckoned with in cocktails, especially classic bourbon cocktails like the legendary Old Fashioned!
What is there even to say? I love this bourbon. For me it is the ideal casual whiskey; not one to be studied, but one to be simply enjoyed. You could analyse it if you wanted, but you’d be better off with Woodford’s double oak for that. This is a bourbon that is great drunk neat, with a mixer, or as a cocktail ingredient, and for that I salute it! I highly recommend this bourbon if someone’s never tried it, it’s a must have!
This post’s recommended song is: “Family Tree” – Black Stone Cherry
