Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry Bourbon

We review Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry, a Master's Collection release focused on a historical nod to the days when bourbon went into the barrel at a lower proof.

OVERALL RATING

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Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry review

Tasting Notes

About:

90.4 proof, NAS (no age stated), mash bill: 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley, MSRP $129.99 for 700ml bottle
Appearance:
Copper, nice legs.
Nose:
Very pleasant. I get vanilla, dried fruit mainly raisins and apples, some hazelnut. I just got back from a trip to Turkey and this reminds me of the hazelnut paste and a little bit of the apple tea I had there.
Palate:
Finish is strong at first and then lingers on faintly. Hints of raisin. It’s much more complex than most 90 proof bourbons I have tasted. The richness doesn’t linger too long, and it switches to the predominantly but well checked oak, however. Here the lower entry proof shines – you get lovely oak without that astringency so common. And the oak lingers on. Slight hints of banana but very mild. Hints of cinnamon.
Finish:
Comments:
I really enjoyed Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry bourbon. It is definitely a much nicer sip then their standard release which is the same proof. It is a great way to compare what barrel entry proof does to a bourbon, and in my opinion you can definitely see an improvement.rnrnIf cost is no issue, I would definitely try this but at the suggested MSRP (my rating doesn’t take into account the MSRP), it is targeted towards collectors and enthusiasts, and not casual drinkers.

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.

Evrim Icoz

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