The Woodford Reserve distillery is both one of the newest and oldest distilleries in Kentucky simultaneously, with the current incarnation as Woodford Reserve first appearing in 1996, but distilling having been carried out on the grounds as far back as 1812. Like most distilleries with such a long history, it contains its fair share of interesting and amusing stories, changes in ownership as well as long periods of idleness.

Elijah Pepper (of James E Pepper fame) is credited with founding the original distillery on the site in 1812 – after earlier distilleries in Cuplpeper Virginia (1780) and Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky (1792 – during which time Kentucky was still part of Virginia).

In 1812, Elijah bought a larger parcel of land, moving his family and establishing his largest distillery yet, which would eventually become Woodford Reserve all these years later.

On his passing the distillery was managed by Elijah’s son Oscar Pepper (changing name to the Oscar Pepper Distillery) during whose tenure a certain Dr. James Crow (later immortalised as the Old Crow Bourbon brand) worked to improve, refine and document many of the key aspects of American whiskey making, including sour mash fermentation, pot still distilling, and barrel maturation.

Current core and recurring range products (officially) available in Australia include the Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Woodford Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey, and the annual Woodford Reserve Master's Collection. A special commemorative bottling celebrating the annual running and sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby is also produced but is not (yet) brought into Australia officially.