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.
What do you get when a glass company, older than the United States, partners with an iconic Kentucky bourbon brand? A $1500 bottle of Woodford Reserve, that’s what. Baccarat, known for making fine crystal for more than two centuries, typically makes decanters for cognac and scotch. However, Woodford Reserve has taken its bourbon, aged it in barrels that once held XO cognac, and put it in a decanter created by the luxurious Baccarat company.
Baccarat has been producing its fine crystal products since 1765. While they made chandeliers and goblets for royalty and those living the life of luxury, they became famous for their perfume bottles and paperweights. The glass producer made it through the French Revolution, but it struggled during the Napoleonic Wars (1812-1815). However, with innovative techniques, much like Woodford Reserve continues on with its bourbon, Baccarat has survived.
The crystal decanter evokes the silhouette of Woodford Reserve, and is engraved with both the distillery’s logo and Baccarat’s logo. You won’t find the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition just anywhere, yet at least. It is currently mostly only available in some duty free shops across the globe. So let’s find out if you want to hunt this bottle down.
Tasting Notes: Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition
Vital Stats: 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.
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