Woodford Reserve recently announced its winter 2022 Master’s Collection release, “Historic Barrel Entry.”
A statement from the whiskey maker notes that for this Master’s Collection release, Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris drew on the rich history of Kentucky bourbon for inspiration.
The distiller’s notes show this whiskey to be a “rich and darkly robust expression of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.”
This 2022 Master’s Collection was made with newly-distilled whiskey that went into the barrel at 100 proof.
The distiller noted that the barrel entry proof of “new make” plays an important role in the maturation process, and that the standard for barrel entry proof has changed over the past two centuries.
Morris explained that bourbon of the 19th century had a barrel entry of 100 to 103 proof, and after the repeal of Prohibition, barrel entry proof levels began to increase. The present barrel entry proof standard that was set in 1962 is 125 proof.
“A lower entry proof seems counterintuitive when one thinks of getting more flavor from the new, charred barrel,” Morris said. “In fact, many of the barrel extractives we desire are more water soluble than they are alcohol. Having a lower entry proof will result in richer, sweet characteristics being absorbed from the barrel’s famed red layer.”
Woodford Reserve Distillery introduced the Master’s Collection in 2004 with the first release of its Master’s Collection, “Four Grain.”
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This year’s limited-edition release marks the 18th edition of the Master’s Collection. It’s available in select U.S. and global markets and has a suggested retail price of $129.99 for a 700ml bottle.
The 2022 Master’s Collection release, “Historic Barrel Entry,” tasting notes:
- Color: Deep russet orange.
- Aroma: A medley of vanilla bean and dried apple dusted with nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon with a hint of cocoa. Roasted coffee and hazelnut soften into notes of dark cherry and plum muddled with spearmint.
- Taste: Toasted oak is tempered by overripe banana and a medley of cooked berry fruits. Hints of leather, coffee, and baking spice trail into minty dark chocolate.
- Finish: A lingering finish of charred oak, leather, and orange oil.
For more information, check out www.woodfordreserve.com.
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