Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Series 14 Select American Oak Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2018) 70cl
For more than a dozen years, each Fall, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller has released a special “Master’s Collection”
The Select American Oak was released in a two-part series in 2018, along with its counterpart Oat Grain Kentucky Bourbon.
For this 14th instalment in Woodford Reserve's Master's Collection, Master Distiller Chris Morris matured the bourbon in American Ozark Oak. As a result, the bourbon is imbued with the rich characteristics of its barrels.
“This unique whiskey has a depth, complexity and elegance unlike any of our current offerings, yet it is distinctively Woodford Reserve,” McCall said.
Since Brown-Forman owns their cooperage(s), it was much easier to do a project like this. They tracked the harvesting of the trees and followed the staves all the way into their cooperage to create these barrels. Brown-Forman typically makes their barrels from an equal mix of oak from the Ozarks, Northern America and the Appalachia Mountains, so you can appreciate the distillery’s caution to ensure they don’t get mixed up.
Woodford’s press release stated that they wanted to experiment with the effects of the oak’s terroir on the flavor of the whiskey. However, I noticed something unusual that I don’t think that any previous review had picked up on. In this interview by Distiller.com, Chris Morris (the former Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve), goes on to offer the tidbit that the oak they used from the Ozarks is “quercus muehlenbergii.” The oak they harvest in the other two regions is primarily “quercus alba” – which is white oak.
The result is a very heavy oaked bourbon without having to double oak it for the same effect.
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Sweet vanilla, caramel and butterscotch. There is cocoa powder and light fruit (peach) and a nutty note.
Palate: Wow! There is more caramel and vanilla. Oak is present, but not overpowering or tannic. There is a nutty chew to this expression, almost like a chocolate-caramel-pecan turtle candy.
Finish: Medium in length with some peppery-spice and more smooth oak.
About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is situated among beautiful horse farms - in fact, it’s one of the only places in Kentucky where you can see the state’s two most famous products – Bourbon whiskey and thoroughbred horses – maturing side-by-side. The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States.
We believe the World's Finest Bourbon is crafted through a unique blend of time, patience, science, and art. For years, this philosophy has been championed by our Master Distillers, Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall, who have been instrumental in driving innovation and shaping the very essence of Woodford Reserve.
In 2023, Elizabeth McCall stepped into the role of Master Distiller, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective. Now, as Master Distiller, she continues to push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship.
With this transition, Chris Morris has moved into a revered role as Master Distiller Emeritus, where his invaluable insights will continue to inform and inspire. Together, Chris and Elizabeth ensure every drop of Woodford Reserve is a true spectacle for the senses.
Elizabeth McCall is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, overseeing quality and innovation and leading special releases, including the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS).
McCall has a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and began her career as a member of Brown-Forman’s Research and Department in 2009.
McCall was a Master Taster and Assistant Master Distiller before being named master distiller in February 2023.
She interacts one-on-one with consumers through personal barrel selections and education on sensory methodology and works to define the quality sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.
*due end April 2026
45.2% ABV
70cl
