Bourbon

Whiskey Review: Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition

We review Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, a higher end version of Woodford Reserve that's finished in ex-XO cognac casks and bottled in a Baccarat crystal decanter.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Tasting Notes

About:

45.2% ABV, 90.4 proof. Woodford Reserve bourbon aged in select XO cognac casks for 3 years. 750mL $1500.
Appearance:
Coppery burnt ochre.
Nose:
The XO Cognac comes across beautifully. The nose is rich with fruit and cherry. Tobacco wafts in and out while almond and marzipan linger throughout the nose. I sense a skosh of sweet cream atop a spiced pear tart.
Palate:
At first, the sip comes off hot from the ABV, but then it dissipates and leaves a warming, smooth velvety mouthfeel. It seems thin with a touch of oil. This Woodford edition is extremely complex, yet delicate and nuanced. There is cherry and fruit, but the flavors are more subtle than they were on the nose. I get a bit of plantain and grassiness. As it finishes, coffee and pear linger on the breath.
Finish:
Comments:
Woodford Reserve has certainly branched out to entice elite whiskey drinkers of the world by partnering with Baccarat. The Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is expertly crafted, and the influence of the cognac barrels brings the classic bourbon to a whole nother level.rnrnI would love for just the liquid to be sold in a regular bottle to fit my budget. If you’re able to afford $1500 on top of travel to any of the select duty free shops, then I would recommend adding it to your whiskey collection. It will pair nicely with just about anything…cigars, steak, caviar, etc.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Courtney Kristjana

Courtney Kristjana is a leading whiskey taster in the United States. Inspired by an article on Heather Greene, she left her career in Gerontology to pursue her passion for whiskey. Currently studying to become a Master of Scotch, Courtney dreams of one day being nominated for the Keepers of the Quaich. Her reviews may be as strong as the peat in her scotch, but she guarantees honesty, integrity, and an open mind.

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