Woodford Reserve Brings Its High End Baccarat Edition To American Drinkers

Kentucky bourbon distillery Woodford Reserve made some waves last year in the high end travel retail market segment when it unveiled Baccarat Edition, a cognac cask finished bourbon housed in a Baccarat crystal decanter. The brand has now brought that release into the domestic market.

The Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, according to those behind it, takes Woodford Reserve bourbon and finishes it for an additional three years in XO cognac casks from France. It is then bottled into a handmade crystal decanter that took five days to create in Baccarat, France.

The bottle design is the showstopper here, said by the brand to “evoke the iconic Woodford Reserve bottle silhouette.” It is “engraved in gold with Woodford Reserve’s and Baccarat’s iconic logos” and “presented in a signature Baccarat red box [that] includes a crystal stopper adorned with Woodford Reserve’s initials.”

It is also a heavy factor in the overall cost of this expression, which is set for around $2,000 per 750 ml bottle.

“Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition is a celebration of history, a celebration of the connections between France and Kentucky — and a celebration of the finest flavors of bourbon and cognac,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris in a prepared statement.

“Baccarat is honored to be the partner of Woodford Reserve for this important premiere in the world of American whiskey,” added Baccarat Global CEO, Daniela Riccardi. “We are proud of the work done together and of a beautiful decanter that our artisans crafted inspired by the excellence and savoir-faire that both our Maisons cherish.”

Baccarat Edition is bottled at 90.4 proof and available in extremely limited quantities nationwide, including at the distillery. You’ll find some official tasting notes for it below.

• Appearance: Deep Brown
• Nose: Rich toasted oak dusted with chocolate and cocoa notes, creamy vanilla bean, and hints of clove and cinnamon spice cover a deep layer of dried fruit and citrus peel.
• Taste: Elegant vanilla, dark chocolate, dried fruit and creamy caramel top layers of rich malt and oak.
• Finish: Velvety with a long delicately spiced caramel mocha note.