Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select is the flagship of one of Kentucky's most storied distilleries and a benchmark for balanced, characterful bourbon. It is produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, a National Historic Landmark on a site where distilling dates back to 1812, using copper pot stills in a traditional triple distillation process that is unusual among American whiskey producers. The distillery describes over 200 detectable flavor notes in the finished bourbon, spanning bold grain and wood, sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit and floral character. Bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof), it pours a rich golden amber. The nose opens with dried fruit, vanilla and toasted oak, joined by hints of mint, orange and cocoa. The palate is rounded and full, layering caramel, honey and dark chocolate with cinnamon, nutmeg and a gentle wave of rye spice, all supported by a satisfying oak backbone. The finish is long and silky, drying slowly with lingering spice, toasted wood and a touch of tobacco. That balance of richness and structure is what makes it so versatile. It sips beautifully neat or over a large cube, and it has long been the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, where it forms the base of the classic Mint Julep. It is equally at home in an Old Fashioned, Manhattan or whiskey sour, holding its own against bitters and citrus without disappearing. Presented in Woodford's distinctive squared bottle with its wax sealed cork and embossed glass, it looks as good on a back bar as it drinks in the glass. Dependable, widely loved and reasonably priced for the quality, it is a bourbon that works equally well as an everyday pour, a cocktail workhorse and an easy gift for any whiskey drinker.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
45.2% |
| Proof |
90.4 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Distillery |
Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Brown-Forman |
| Distillation |
Copper pot still, triple distilled |
| Age |
No Age Statement |
| Maturation |
New charred American oak |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich golden amber.
Nose: Dried fruit, vanilla and toasted oak with hints of mint, orange and cocoa.
Palate: Rounded and full, with caramel, honey and dark chocolate over cinnamon, nutmeg and gentle rye spice.
Finish: Long and silky, drying slowly with lingering spice, toasted wood and a touch of tobacco.
FAQ
What proof is Woodford Reserve?
It is bottled at 45.2% ABV, which is 90.4 proof.
Why is Woodford Reserve triple distilled?
It is produced in copper pot stills using a traditional triple distillation process, which is uncommon in American whiskey and contributes to its smooth, layered character.
What does Woodford Reserve taste like?
Expect dried fruit, vanilla and toasted oak on the nose, then caramel, honey and dark chocolate with warm baking spice on the palate.
Is Woodford Reserve good for cocktails?
Yes. It is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and the classic base for a Mint Julep, and it works equally well in an Old Fashioned, Manhattan or whiskey sour.
Does Woodford Reserve have an age statement?
No. Distiller's Select carries no age statement.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
