Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Woodford Reserve. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
September was Bourbon Heritage Month and in celebration of the delicious spirit, Woodford Reserve released their Honey Barrel Finish, also a part of the brand’s Distillery Series. As Master Distiller Chris Morris states on the series, “It’s been rewarding to work with a honey producer here in Woodford County to create this unique Distillery Series expression and support local business and agriculture.”
Woodford Reserve boasts a long-lasting love affair with bourbon. The distillery is one of my personal favorites for their distinct bourbon recipe of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and no matter the chances taken on their different expressions and series, the bourbon Woodford Reserve produces is always reliably fresh and flavorful.
The Honey Barrel Finish is unique in the production of the sweetly rich spirit. Woodford Reserve Distillery sent freshly dumped bourbon barrels to a Woodford County honeybee farmer who proceeded to age his supply of honey in the barrels. Upon returning the honey-aged barrels to Master Distiller Morris, the resulting product is a subtle but genuinely unique whiskey.
As we are well aware, in order to produce an approved bourbon, the spirit must be aged in new barrels, so the Woodford Reserve Honey Barrel Finish can’t technically be labeled bourbon. That said, utilizing the straight stock of the Woodford Reserve recipe ensures that classic bourbon taste with the pleasant addition of the distinct honey flavor.
While Kentucky bourbon is the main vein through which American amber spirits run, there is room for innovation and experimentation as new generations of drinkers come of age and begin the exploration of palate and taste. While Woodford Reserve is known for its classic bourbon, this Honey Barrel Finish is an incredibly successful venture into the advantages and benefits of working with local businesses and the hard work of the hive of honeybees.
Tasting Notes: Woodford Reserve Distillery Series – Honey Barrel Finish
Vital Stats: Blend of Woodford Reserve Bourbon finished in honey barrels and Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 45.2% ABV (90.4 Proof). SRP $60.
Appearance: Fresh color of raw honeycomb.
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Nose: Bold and complex, the nose on the Honey Barrel Finish is gorgeous. The obvious sweet of honey wafts at first sniff, quickly joined by apricot and raisin, some juniper and pine with a bit of acidity, perhaps lemon or orange peel.
Palate: Though the nose is wonderful, the taste is decadent. Sucanat and honey supply the sweetness, with a rich smoky balance, bitterness of rhubarb and berry, with a nuttiness – I placed pine nut – mid palate. The finish is slightly funky, like the funk of a mild gorgonzola.
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