In the quiet hills of Kentucky, where bourbon is as much a part of the soil as limestone and horse racing, Woodford Reserve has once again decided to stretch the possibilities of oak. The distillery today announced the release of Sweet Oak Bourbon, the 21st entry in its coveted Master’s Collection. For those who follow these annual unveilings, each bottle is not only whiskey but also an experiment — a study in wood, grain, and time.
Woodford Reserve Sweet Oak Bourbon: A Whiskey Shaped by Rare Chinkapin Oak
The centerpiece of this year’s release is the wood itself. Sweet Oak Bourbon has been matured in rare Chinkapin oak barrels, a less common species prized for its bold flavor influence and unique grain structure. Chinkapin lends a sweeter, richer tone than traditional white oak, and Woodford’s team has leaned into its quirks with a careful eye.
Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, who has guided the distillery’s innovation since succeeding Chris Morris, says the barrel choice defines this release. “Bottled at 110.4 proof, this bourbon delivers a powerful, full-bodied profile while maintaining Woodford’s signature sweetness,” McCall notes. “With sweet oak at its core, this expression offers nuanced layers of flavor that whiskey collectors and connoisseurs will appreciate.”
Continuing the Spirit of Experimentation
Since its inception, the Master’s Collection has been the space where Woodford plays with tradition — from unusual grain bills to alternative finishing casks. Sweet Oak Bourbon continues this spirit of inquiry. Instead of chasing novelty, the whiskey asks how far oak itself can stretch the bourbon spectrum, offering a richer, spicier, more layered profile than its predecessors.
It is, in a way, a thesis statement on the quiet but radical belief that bourbon is as much about the forest as it is about the distillery.
Tasting the Sweet Oak
Sweet Oak Bourbon comes alive with a mahogany hue, a richness that hints at the depth within. The aroma opens with mulled cherries and raisins, warmed by clove and nutmeg, then turns toward sweet leather and toasted oak. On the palate, it is robust and layered: baking spices, sassafras, roasted walnuts, and black tea interplay with the sweetness promised by its name. The finish lingers long and contemplative — oak-forward, with dried dark fruits and a whisper of black tea.
It is, as McCall suggests, a bourbon that asks for patience: a whiskey meant to be sipped, discussed, and revisited, its layers revealing themselves slowly.
Availability and Price
This limited-edition release will be available beginning September 9, 2025. Bottles are priced at $179.99 for 700ml, available in select Kentucky retailers, at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, and through the brand’s online shop (shipping permitted only to Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington, D.C.).
As always with the Master’s Collection, scarcity is part of the allure. Once the bottles are gone, they are gone, destined for the back bars of collectors and the shelves of those who understand that bourbon, like oak, is alive — constantly changing, constantly teaching.
For more information on the Woodford Reserve Sweet Oak Bourbon, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last year, Woodford launched a Madeira cask finished whiskey as part of its Master’s Collection, and last month they added a 12-Year-Old American Single Malt to their Distillery Series
