The latest addition to the Woodford Reserve Distillery Series, Toasted Bourbon, was created by happenstance
Woodford Reserve has unveiled the latest addition to its Distillery Series, Toasted Bourbon. However, unlike the rest of the whiskeys in the collection, this latest offering wasn’t planned.
As the story goes, in 2017, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked barrels were accidentally delivered to the distillery and filled with new-make bourbon distillate. Unlike the brand’s standard bourbon barrels, which are lightly toasted and heavily charred, the Double Oaked barrels are heavily toasted and lightly charred. After 18 barrels were filled, the distillery team finally noticed they had the wrong barrel. But current Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall decided to use the mistake as an opportunity, choosing to keep the barrels and see how the whiskey matured.
The barrels were moved to Warehouse C where and closely monitored for more than six years. The accident gave the distillery an chance to learn how Woodford Reserve’s bourbon distillate matures in a heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel.
“Toasted Bourbon resulted in a delicious whiskey that blends the flavor profile of both Woodford Reserve’s Bourbon and Double Oaked,” says McCall. “After more than six years of patiently waiting, we’re thrilled to share this one-of-a-kind bourbon with our fans.”
A golden honey in color, the whiskey offers aromas of sweet toasted oak and cinnamon graham cracker with notes of dark cherry, cooked banana, and a dusting of nutmeg. The palate features cinnamon brown sugar, raw honey, baking spice, and toasted oak. The warm features delivers baking spice and citrus.
Bottled at 45.2% ABV, Woodford Reserve Toasted Bourbon is priced at $64.99 per 375ml bottle and is available at the distillery as well as select Kentucky retailers.
For more information, head over to the official website.
In January, Woodford Reserve partnered with gourmet chocolate brand Compartés to create a set of limited-edition chocolates inspired by Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon.