Woodford Reserve Releases Its 2019 Batch Proof Bourbon

Those who like Woodford Reserve bourbon were given a treat last year when the Kentucky distillery released a higher proof version of it as part of the greater Master’s Collection series. It apparently proved enough of a hit that the powers that be there opted up for a 2019 offering of the same expression, this time a a slightly lower proof.

The 2019 Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bourbon, according to those behind it, was bottled at 123.2 proof (versus 125.8 proof from last year). It is, for most considerations, the regular Woodford bourbon that’s just been allowed to express its more true cask strength self. It is crafted using the same grain bill and process, but it then is said to take “Woodford Reserve’s trademark flavor range of sweet vanilla and toasted oak to a whole new level.”

“Most people do not get to experience the intensity of the aromas and the smoothness of the whiskey at a higher proof point,” said Woodford Reserve master distiller Chris Morris in a prepared statement. “With this innovative release, whiskey lovers will have the chance to taste Woodford Reserve the way the masters taste it.”

As it stands now plans call for the 2019 Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Bourbon to be a limited edition offering that prices around $130 a bottle (the same price as last year). You’ll find some official tasting notes for this deep coffee amber colored bourbon below for your consideration.

• Aroma: Rich oak, overripe banana and marzipan, with hints of orange oil dusted graham cracker and dried cherry.
• Taste: Dried apricot drizzled with rich dark chocolate layered over toasted hazelnuts and coffee with faint flavors of cinnamon and clove.
• Finish: A long finish of spearmint and sweet cedar wood.