Background: This bourbon is one of the first high proof Woodford Reserve Whiskeys. This batch of Bourbon was created by Woodford using the same specs as their standard bourbon but released at “proof”. Let’s see how they did.
ABV: 62.9%
Nose: A very strong scent, many flavors in there including the alcohol. There is Oak, Black Pepper, and of course lots of Caramel and a little bit of Vanilla.
Palate: The palate is rich as well and can go from being very harsh to mellow but this is suprisngly mellow. My palate has gravitated towards these batch proof bourbons but this one has a sweet palate to me. Vanilla, a bit of leather, oak, small bit of cherry.
Finish: A nice finish and despite not normally liking oak the heavy oak and sweetish vanilla I get on the finish is great. The finish is also long and stays for a while not unlike a scotch.
Conclusion: I have been getting into batch proofs lately and I love this bourbon. The flavor is amazing and deep and I find new things whenever I decide to bust it out for a dram. I am not a fan of the price compared to its brethren like my ECBP or the Stagg JR. hence this doesn’t get broken out very often. I would say the depth of this and the flavor that I find in it pushes it to near the top of my list just under the Stagg Jr. One of the best bourbons I have ever had.
Rating: 7/10
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite
10 | Perfect | Perfect