Woodford Reserve is the bourbon with the posh bottle and the substance to match, and my Woodford Reserve review is a happy one. It’s rich, balanced and a very good all-rounder.
Woodford Reserve: the basics
It’s made by Brown-Forman at Woodford Reserve Distillery near Versailles, Kentucky, bottled at 45.2% with no age statement, and aged in new charred American oak. It’s made partly in copper pot stills, which is unusual for bourbon and gives it a richer character.
It’s the polished, premium bourbon in the Brown-Forman range.
Woodford Reserve tasting notes and first impressions
Dried fruit, caramel and vanilla on the nose, with some cocoa, a hint of spice and a bit of oak. It’s rich and warm.
On the palate it’s smooth and rounded, with caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, cocoa and a gentle spice. The finish lasts medium to long, warm, with a bit of dryness. It’s balanced and elegant, with no rough edges.
How to drink Woodford Reserve
Neat, then watered a little, is the best order to try it in. It’s a brilliant Old Fashioned and a lovely Manhattan, and it’s the whiskey I’d use for a Mint Julep.
Woodford Reserve price: is it worth it?
About £33 for 70 cl. That’s very good value for a polished 45.2% bourbon with pot still character, and it’s one of the better buys in the premium bourbon aisle. For today’s Woodford Reserve price, the retailer link on this page is the quickest check, and it’s worth comparing a couple of shops.
If you like Woodford Reserve, try these
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is the sweeter sibling, Four Roses Small Batch is a close rival, and Maker’s Mark is the softer option.
Who should buy Woodford Reserve?
People who want a smooth, polished, all-round bourbon, and anyone buying a gift.
Woodford Reserve review verdict
A rich, balanced, elegant bourbon that’s excellent value. Highly recommended. Caskable score: 79 out of 100.
Dried fruit, caramel and vanilla, with cocoa, a hint of spice and oak.
Smooth and rounded, with caramel, vanilla, dark fruit, cocoa and gentle spice.
Medium to long, warm and a bit dry.
A rich, balanced, elegant bourbon that is excellent value.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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