For the most part, Woodford Reserve doesn’t get into the high-ABV chase that so many distilleries are right now. It’s content living at the oh-so-drinkable 90.4 proof that makes it a classic bourbon. Once every year, though, they let their horses gallop with the limited-edition Woodford Reserve Batch Proof.
Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall is tasked with blending more than 100 different Woodford Reserve barrels from all across the warehouses, each with its own unique flavor profile. And while the end product is clearly Woodford, it’s not limited by needing to hit the traditional profile right on the dot. The best part is that the higher proof helps those beloved flavors really jump out of the glass.
Because there’s no water added, it’s only after McCall finishes combining her selected barrels that the final proof is known. Every year is different, and it’s a true representation of what came out of the barrels and nothing more. The 2024 Woodford Reserve Batch Proof landed at a very healthy 121.2 proof.
It’s on shelves now in limited quantities at the distillery and in select US and global markets. Happy hunting!
2024 Tasting Notes
Color: Burnt Umber
Aroma: Vanilla bean, brown sugar pecans, tropical citrus fruits with a dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove
Taste: Sweet toasted oak, cocoa, juicy pineapple, dried strawberry, and spiced berries
Finish: Dried strawberry, toasted oak, and raw honey
