Woodford Reserve Migrates Into American Malt Whiskey Territory

The Woodford Reserve distillery in Kentucky has long been known as a high quality player in the world of bourbon and, more recently, rye whiskey. Master distiller Chris Morris and his team seem not content to rest on these laurels, however, and are now dipping their distilling toes into the American malt whiskey category with the release of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, according to those behind it, is said not to be your typical 100% malt whiskey, especially compared to those single malts which are prominent to the likes of Scotland. It is, instead, more a marker of what’s known as an American malt whiskey via a mash bill that’s 51% malted barley, 47% corn and 2% rye and based upon “historical recipes” out of Kentucky.

This malt whiskey is aged in new charred American oak barrels, making it what’s described as a “malt whiskey for bourbon drinkers.” While that statement in question could warrant its own debate, if anyone could conceivably convince bourbon drinkers to try this, it is Woodford.

“Inspired by history and a desire to make the best tasting whiskies in the world, Woodford Reserve is charting its own unique path with this new malt whiskey based on historical precedence and our commitment to flavor, something that’s ingrained in everything we do,” said Morris in a prepared statement.

Plans call for Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey to be out on store shelves starting in June, for a price point of around $35 per 750 ml bottle. The whiskey, which is becoming a permanent expression in the distillery’s line up, comes in the typical Woodford Reserve bottle design, and is bottled at 90.4 proof. You’ll find some official tasting notes below from the distillery for your consideration. It should be noted as well this isn’t the first time Morris has played with malt whiskey; in late 2013, for example, he helped release a couple of bottlings as part of their Master’s Collection line up.

• Nose: Soft nutty notes drizzled with light caramel and milk chocolate coat a layer of fruit character (apple, dried fruit, tropical fruit). Hints of brown spice, savory mint and brown sugar mingle with a rich note of freshly milled toasted oak.
• Taste: Dark chocolate and caramel coated nuts are dried out with a dusting of cocoa powder and brown spice. A fruit medley brightens a trace of toasted coconut and rich, bright oak character.
• Finish: Nutty and subtly sweet chocolate malt notes