Individual Review: Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select

Opening Statement (Description of the Whiskey):

Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced and bottled by Woodford Reserve Distillery which is owned by the parent company Brown-Forman. Opening in 1812 as the Labrot and Graham Distillery, the Woodford Reserve Distillery building is one of the oldest distillery facilities still standing in the United States and has produced a plethora of distinguished whiskeys over the past 200 years (although the building has not continuously operated as a distillery over the past 2 centuries). In 1996 Brown-Forman began using the historic distillery to create the Woodford Reserve line of whiskeys. In addition to its rich history, Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select is also the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.

Parent Company: Brown-Forman

Distillery & Bottling Company: Woodford Reserve Distillery

Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

Proof: 90.4

Age: At Least 4 Years

Direct Examination (AKA Tasting Notes):

Nose: Strong Caramel, Medium Brown Sugar / Molasses, Dry oak, Faint Vanilla, and Sweet Corn

Palate: Caramel, Brown Sugar, Tobacco, Light Pepper

Finish: Medium Length, Cherry, Brown Sugar, Smallest Hints of Oak and Pepper

Mouth Feel: Light to Medium

Cross Examination (AKA The Whiskey's Shortcomings):

The classic bourbon vanilla flavor is hardly noticeable and only found on the nose. The mouth feel could be a little heavier as well.

Closing Statements (AKA Conclusions about the Whiskey):

A loud caramel note is the first thing to engage the nostrils when nosing this bourbon. A medium strength scent of brown sugar and molasses follows quickly behind. A weaker aroma of dry oak piggybacks on the caramel and brown sugar notes. The nose ends with the faintest bit of vanilla and sweet corn.

The caramel and brown sugar notes carry over to the palate, however the caramel is toned down compared to its presence on the nose. It is reminiscent of Werther's Original hard candies. The sweetness is tempered by a pleasant earthy tobacco and soft pepper wrapping up the palate.

A pop of cherry is the most forefront note on the finish, but it quickly gives way to the brown sugar that has been present throughout. Oak tannins and pepper make an appearance at the very end of the finish. Brown sugar is by far dominant note on the finish. There is not really a burn so much as a warming sensation from the finish.

A delicious sip throughout. Admittedly, the whiskey does feel a tad thin. It is also interesting that the signature vanilla note of a bourbon is almost non-existent. Hence, one of the ways this bourbon stands out is its lack of a signature bourbon flavor rather than the addition of a novel one. However, while it would be nice for the vanilla to make more of an appearance, the decadent rich flavors of caramel and brown sugar make up for its absence. The herbal tobacco, dry tannin, and pepper notes are just strong enough to balance out the bourbon's sweetness.

Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select is the baseline expression of the Woodford Reserve Distillery's family of whiskeys. It can usually be found for $30-$40. This mid-tier bourbon is perfect for any occasion. It is high enough of a quality whiskey for special celebrations and affordable enough for everyday casual enjoyment. Woodford Reserve Distillery and the Kentucky Derby made excellent choices in picking this bourbon as their flagship whiskeys.

Verdict (AKA Score): 7.5

Verdict Key:

10: I do not possess the vocabulary to describe this masterpiece adequately or accurately. It should not be possible for man to create such art.

9: Incredible. Hoard this stuff. Paying secondary market prices is totally worth it.

8: A real pleasure to sip. Always try to have at least one bottle and a backup on hand.

7: A solid pour. Daily drinker for sure. Try to have a bottle on hand.

6: Would not say no to a pour if offered to me, but I will not go out of my way to find it.

5: Good to mix with a coke.

4: Swing and a miss. A mixer makes it tolerable.

3: Only if I had nothing else to drink in the house.

2: Was this made in a prison toilet?

1: This is the stuff the KGB used to kill prisoners slowly and painfully.

0: An abomination of epic proportions. Should not be called whiskey.