In the early 1800s, our Woodford County Distillery, thanks to owner Oscar Pepper and Master Distiller James Crow, was the site for landmark discoveries and innovative techniques in bourbon-making.

Pepper and Crow are credited with refining and defining key processes such as sour mashing, yeast propagation, copper pot distillation and the maturing of whiskey in new, charred oak casks. Their work defined bourbon and subsequently rye whiskey as we know them today.

Woodford Reserve Distillery’s Master Collection honours the pioneering work of Pepper and Crow, applying their handcrafted methods to a variety of grain recipes, fermentation styles and maturation processes to create a range of unique whiskeys.

The 2018 Master’s Collection Select American Oak Kentucky Bourbon has been matured in one specific terroir sourced oak – Ozark. This Ozark Oak was selected for its terroir’s fast-growing characteristics. Having barrels that share a common wood structure gives this special batching of Woodford Reserve a distinct nutty and sweet aromatic character that will remind you of warm baked goods.

Official Tasting Notes

Colour: Peruvian brown 

Aroma: Crisp yeasty and bready notes mingle with soft oak, vanilla, milk chocolate and marzipan. Walnut, pecans and Fall leaves bring the oak tannins forward. 

Taste: Soft nutty character and a sip of sweet tea bring a deep hint of peach and cocoa powder to life. 

Finish: Long and warm with a hint of wood spice.

Now, let's get in to it ourselves!

Summary Notes: There are very few Bourbons available in Australia around the $200 mark that we'd recommend for the price, and this is one of those few! 

Body - 7: Medium bodied with early citrus cutting through, becoming heavier through the finish.

Length - 9: Long and drawn out, tapering consistently. Loads of flavour coming throug from middle to end.

Burn - 10: Just enough heat to remind you it's whisky. Not a touch more.

Complexity - 8: Defined front, middle and back. Multiple flavours at each level. Changes with each sip.

Texture - 9: Very mouth-coating and silky, a slight grip on the tongue, but just enough to hold the flavours.

Balance - 9: No pointy bits, lots of richness on the back offset by citric sweetness.

Flaws - 10: Nope.

Aroma Enjoyment - 9: Powerful, but not at all harsh, almost no burn. All about bass, no treble. Fat, crisp, buttery, polished pine, balsa wood.

Palate Enjoyment - 9: We were meant to be just tasting, but ended up drinking.

Overall Enjoyment - 9: This bottle could easily be opened and fully consumed with right company in a single evening.

Final Score - 89/100

We hope you enjoyed the info and it has helped you decide whether or not to buy a bottle! If you're keen for one, it's available here!

Cheers!

The Whisky List