Most modern rye whiskeys use a low rye content — just enough to legally qualify. Woodford Reserve took the opposite approach. Their Kentucky Straight Rye is built on a pre-Prohibition style mash bill of 53% rye, deliberately echoing the bold, spice-forward ryes that defined American whiskey before Prohibition effectively wiped the category out. The high rye content drives everything — the black pepper, the clove, the cedar, the distinct tobacco character that you simply don't get from a rye made at 51% and called a day.
Made at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky — a National Historic Landmark established by Elijah Pepper in 1812, where Dr. James Crow perfected the sour mash process in 1838 — and distilled using Woodford's unique combination of copper pot stills and column stills, then non-chill filtered and aged in new charred American oak. At 90.4 proof, it's bold enough to stand up in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned while smooth enough to sip neat. Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky (National Historic Landmark, Est. 1812) |
| Master Distiller |
Chris Morris |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Mashbill |
53% rye, 33% corn and 14% malted barley — pre-Prohibition style |
| Distillation |
Copper pot stills and column stills — unique proprietary method |
| Filtration |
Non-chill filtered for full-bodied texture and flavor |
| Awards |
Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition |
| Proof |
90.4 Proof |
| ABV |
45.2% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml, individually batched and numbered |
| Country |
United States, Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Nose: Bold rye spice, black pepper, cedar and hints of pear, dried apple and floral notes — the 53% rye content announces itself immediately
Palate: Clove, mint, molasses, toffee, sorghum, honey and subtle herbal tones — fuller-bodied than most ryes at this proof, with a satisfying sweetness balancing the spice
Finish: Long and warming with lingering spice, floral notes and toasted oak — a rye finish that rewards patience
FAQ
What makes this a "pre-Prohibition style" rye?
Before Prohibition, American rye whiskeys typically used a high percentage of rye grain in the mashbill — often 50% or more — which produced a bold, spice-forward spirit. After Prohibition ended, many distillers shifted to barely legal 51% rye mashbills that diluted the category's character. Woodford Reserve deliberately uses 53% rye to honor the original style and deliver the bolder flavor profile that made rye America's first great whiskey tradition.
How is Woodford Reserve Rye different from their bourbon?
The bourbon uses primarily corn in the mashbill, which creates sweetness, vanilla, and caramel character. The rye uses 53% rye grain as the dominant ingredient, producing more spice, pepper, and herbal complexity with less sweetness. The rye is also non-chill filtered and uses the same combination of copper pot and column stills, but the grain-driven flavor difference is significant.
What cocktails is Woodford Reserve Rye best for?
It's exceptional in a classic Manhattan — the spice and pepper from the 53% rye mashbill stands up beautifully to sweet vermouth and bitters. Also excellent in a Rye Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, or Vieux Carré. Its balance of spice and sweetness makes it more versatile than many higher-rye expressions.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve Rye online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway — fast, insured shipping nationwide.
