Brown-Forman-owned Woodford Reserve has released a pair of bourbons – Sonoma Triple Finish and Batch Proof Series 121.2 – for travel retail venues. Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish is finished in former Sonoma County Pinot Noir, brandy, and bourbon barrels previously used for aging red wine and is said to offer notes of […]
Brown-Forman-owned Woodford Reserve has released a pair of bourbons – Sonoma Triple Finish and Batch Proof Series 121.2 – for travel retail venues.
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sonoma Triple Finish is finished in former Sonoma County Pinot Noir, brandy, and bourbon barrels previously used for aging red wine and is said to offer notes of cinnamon, pineapple and vanilla.
Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Series 121.2 originates from more than 100 different Woodford Reserve barrels, is bottled at 60.6% alcohol by volume (121.2 proof) and is said to offer notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, citrus, pecans and vanilla bean.
Both bourbons are being made available for $150 per bottle.
Louisville’s Michter’s Distillery took top honors in the 2023 Drinks International survey to find the “world’s most admired” whiskey brand. Andrea Wilson is the Master… Read More
Louisville’s Michter’s Distillery took top honors in the 2023 Drinks International survey to find the “world’s most admired” whiskey brand. Andrea Wilson is the Master of Maturation for Michter’s, as well as the company’s chief operating officer, and has the final say on any whisky that carries the Michter’s name. We’ll talk with Andrea about the pressure of living up to that reputation, as well as her Hall of Fame whisky-making career, on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Kentucky lawmakers have approved a bill to close loopholes in the state’s Vintage Distilled Spirits Law. We’ll have the details on that and the rest of the week’s whisky news, including a rare collaboration between Australia’s Starward Whisky and Lagavulin.
James Saxon took on the role as chief whisky maker for Compass Box following founder John Glaser’s sudden departure several weeks ago. It’s a journey… Read More
James Saxon took on the role as chief whisky maker for Compass Box following founder John Glaser’s sudden departure several weeks ago. It’s a journey that started with a Compass Box tasting Saxon organized as a student at the University of St. Andrews a decade ago. He’ll answer your questions about Compass Box in this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, Port Ellen Distillery is alive and humming once again, while Rosebank plans to open its new visitors center in June. Woodford Reserve has created a $15,000 Bourbon to celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby May 4, and we’ll have details and tasting notes, too.
PRESS RELEASE provided by Woodford Reserve: Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, commemorates the 150th running of the world’s most famous race with a unique and extraordinary expression of American Whiskey. A tribute to 150 years of greatness, this is Woodford Reserve’s rarest whiskey in the brand’s 27-year history. This thrice-barreled American whiskey […]
Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, commemorates the 150th running of the world’s most famous race with a unique and extraordinary expression of American Whiskey.
A tribute to 150 years of greatness, this is Woodford Reserve’s rarest whiskey in the brand’s 27-year history. This thrice-barreled American whiskey has rested in three unique casks – the original bourbon barrel, a cognac cask and a couture barrel whose staves were seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle.
Presented in a crystal decanter created by the artisans of renowned French Maison Baccarat, only 150 bottles are available. Each is priced at $15,000 and arrives in a bespoke leather carrying case. To pay homage to the famed Garland of Roses, Baccarat infused the decanter’s crystal stopper with 24K gold to create a striking red color.
Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris (L) and Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall (R). Courtesy
“This decanter embodies the spirit of Kentucky and the spectacle of Derby,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall.
The winning owner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby will be presented with a decanter during the Garland of Roses ceremony from Churchill Downs. Additionally, one bottle is being donated by Woodford Reserve to charity – The Backside Learning Center, which assists families who work on the backside of Churchill Downs, caring for the thoroughbreds. The center will auction this rare bottle to raise funds for its programs.
Courtesy
AVAILABILITY: A limited number of bottles are available now for purchase on Woodford Reserve’s website through two pick-up dates at the distillery. Beginning March 28, a small number of bottles will also be offered for purchase at the distillery gift shop along with limited in-store availability at fine retailers in Kentucky.
Tasting Notes(Brand Provided)
Color: Carnelian Red
Aroma: Rich floral and red fruit notes sweetened with honey and textured with hearty oak and brown spices.
Taste: Brown sugar-caramelized citrus peel, rich toasted oak, caramel, warming spices and dried dark fruit.
Finish: Big and bold with a long smoothing fruit and spice presence.
Chivas Brothers recently introduced two new Longmorn single malts. The 18 and 22-year-old malts represent a long-term commitment to the brand, with all future Longmorns… Read More
Chivas Brothers recently introduced two new Longmorn single malts. The 18 and 22-year-old malts represent a long-term commitment to the brand, with all future Longmorns to be at least 18 years old. Chivas Brothers blending manager Kevin Balmforth was instrumental in creating both whiskies, and he’ll join us to discuss them and his day-to-day life in the blending lab on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth.
In the news, MGP is suing over two rickhouse projects that have been blocked by local officials in Kentucky, while a new website has been set up to help investors protect themselves from fraudulent cask investment schemes.
Versailles, KY (March 5, 2024) — Woodford Reserve®, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby®, is honoring “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®” with the release of its 2024 commemorative Derby bottle. This year’s special release celebrates the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby® and features the artwork of Kentucky native Wylie Caudill, known for his […]
Versailles, KY (March 5, 2024) — Woodford Reserve®, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby®, is honoring “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®” with the release of its 2024 commemorative Derby bottle.
This year’s special release celebrates the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby® and features the artwork of Kentucky native Wylie Caudill, known for his bold, repetitive patterns, and his signature roses. His painting, “Adorned in Roses,” depicts a racing thoroughbred covered with red roses, with a background of multi-colored roses.
The one-liter bottle retails for $55 and is available for purchase globally. A special presale on ReserveBar begins March 5.
“Wylie’s artwork embodies the spirit of Woodford Reserve, the liveliness of Churchill Downs during race day, and the heart of Kentucky,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “We’re thrilled to have a Kentuckian’s artwork on our bottle during this monumental year.”
Caudill grew up drawing and painting in Cynthiana, Kentucky. During college, he spent his free time creating chalk drawings, leaving his mark around campus and leading to his title ‘chalk guy’ among locals. He expanded his public street art to painting murals in Lexington after college, and many of his murals can be seen across Kentucky today. Caudill also created the Official Art of the Kentucky Derby for Churchill Downs for the 150th Derby, marking the first year that Woodford Reserve and Churchill Downs used the same artist.
“As a Kentucky native, I am honored to be a part of this milestone celebration,” Caudill said. “I have painted my signature roses many times over the years, but this one is truly special. The colorful roses symbolize the diverse Derby fans from around the world, connecting people beyond the track.”
Derby bottle artist Wyle Caudill.
Woodford Reserve’s Derby bottle has been an annual collector’s item anticipated by bourbon and racing fans since 1999.
The Flavor Notes collection will bring Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavor notes to life and showcase how its bourbon is a spectacle for the senses.
Woodford Reserve is exploring the intersection of fashion and bourbon via a new partnership with two esteemed luxury designers.
Sergio Hudson and Anifa Mvuemba, who have created fashion statements for everyone from Michelle Obama to Beyonce, will design pieces for The Woodford Reserve Flavor Notes Collection, which is inspired by the flavors and craftsmanship of the super-premium whiskey.
The collaboration was announced during New York Fashion Week and will debut at the 150th running of The Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve.
Hudson and Mvuemba will attend The Kentucky Derby, often called the world’s largest fashion show, along with their muses wearing pieces from each designer’s collection.
The Flavor Notes collection will bring Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavor notes to life and showcase how its bourbon is a spectacle for the senses.
“Woodford Reserve brings substance and style to everything we do”, said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “These fashion statements from Sergio and Anifa are an extension of the bourbon lifestyle in a luxurious way.”
Hudson is an American designer passionate about making women feel beautiful, fearless, glamorous and confident through his women’s ready-to-wear luxury clothing line, The Sergio Hudson Brand. Every garment is carefully crafted for the female form with a masterful use of color and silhouette. At a young age in the mid-1980s, Hudson grew a great love and respect for fashion idols and felt he was destined for a career in fashion. Today, he is focused on normalizing inclusivity in the industry and bringing back the joy of dressing. He is an in-demand designer for celebrities.
“Just like Woodford Reserve, every garment I create requires meticulous attention to detail,” Hudson said. “I am excited to help tell the story of how Woodford Reserve is more than a bourbon, showing it is a spectacle for the senses through the pieces I create. The Derby is just the start of our trendsetting partnership.”
Mvuemba, is the CEO, Founder and Creative Director of Hanifa, a luxury ready-to-wear womenswear label. The self-taught designer moved to the United States from Congo at an early age. With an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, she continues to revolutionize the industry. Her exceptional leadership and creative prowess have paved the way for a new era of fashion, where inclusivity and self-expression reign supreme. Invested in the intersection of technology and fashion, Mvuemba is constantly looking to innovate in the space. She focuses on a range of vibrant hues in her collections.
“The Woodford Reserve Flavor Notes Collection is the perfect place to bring my colorful fabrics and sophisticated silhouettes to life,” said Mvuemba. “My brand represents women without limits, and it’s so inspiring to work with Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall on this partnership as she has broken barriers in the bourbon industry.”
Throughout 2024, Woodford Reserve will continue collaborating with Hudson and Mvuemba, including at Hudson’s fall 2024 fashion show. Moreover, this collaboration marks the beginning of an ongoing journey between Woodford Reserve and the visionary designers. Other fashion collaborations to expand the Flavor Notes Collection will be announced in the coming years.
Woodford Reserve (Versailles, KY) just announced its 2024 Master’s Collection: Batch Proof. Per the brand, this is a celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary process – blending barrels into a batch and then bottling the whiskey at its actual proof, straight from the barrel. Batch Proof is crafted using the same grain bill and process as […]
Woodford Reserve (Versailles, KY) just announced its 2024 Master’s Collection: Batch Proof. Per the brand, this is a celebration of Woodford Reserve’s proprietary process – blending barrels into a batch and then bottling the whiskey at its actual proof, straight from the barrel. Batch Proof is crafted using the same grain bill and process as Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
The 2024 edition is 121.2 Proof vs the standard Woodford Reserve flagship 90.4 proof. Per the brand, it was batched from 100+ barrels in various warehouse locations and various floors within those warehouses.
“Barrels drawn from the upper floors of our heat cycled warehouses routinely possess higher proof presentations due to the more aggressive angel share process found there. This batch had more of these barrels in its composition, and therefore a higher batch proof presentation.” — Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller
WR Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. Courtesy
PRICING & AVAILABILITY: This release is available in limited quantities at the WR DISTILLERY (9am ET Feb 7th) and at select retailers nationally and globally. SPR is $149.99.
TASTING NOTES (Brand Provided)
Aroma : vanilla bean, brown sugar pecans, tropical citrus fruits with a dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER – Woodford Reserve is offering consumers the chance to purchase a Valentine’s Day package shipped to their house that includes a bottle of coveted Double Double Oaked Bourbon, a bottle of Double Oaked and one box of luxury Compartes chocolates. Last week, the limited edition release of Double Double Oaked […]
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER – Woodford Reserve is offering consumers the chance to purchase a Valentine’s Day package shipped to their house that includes a bottle of coveted Double Double Oaked Bourbon, a bottle of Double Oaked and one box of luxury Compartes chocolates.
Last week, the limited edition release of Double Double Oaked Bourbon had a DISTILLERY ONLY debut which naturally caused its fare share of excitement. The DDO is fully matured WR Double Oak that is then finished for an additional year in a heavily toasted, lightly charred white oak barrel. SRP is $79.99 for 375ml.
Back to the tri-bundle, shipping to states that allow it (including Kentucky), is $152.99. A limited number of bundles will be available online starting at 9 a.m. EST February 1.CLICK HERE for the WR landing page for this item.
SHIPPING ACCEPTED STATES: Per the WR site, it is only available to ship to KY, NE, NH, ND, DC.
“This is the most indulgent gift for whiskey lovers who want to treat their partners and friends – or themselves – to the ultimate Valentine’s gift,” Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said.
The bundle celebrates the new partnership with Compartes master chocolatier Jonathan Grahm of Los Angeles. Working with McCall, Graham created a limited-edition box of four chocolates that pair perfectly with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
EVENT WITH MASTER DISTILLER ELIZABETH McCALL: Woodford Reserve Distillery also offers special tastings with the chocolates during January and February, including a rare experience with Elizabeth McCall. To book, visit the distillery website.
Double Double Oaked is made by finishing fully mature Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for an additional year in a second, heavily toasted, lightly charred, new oak barrel. The extra year in the barrel creates a bourbon that is distinctly spicier than its original counterpart.
Woodford Reserve has released its highly-anticipated expression of Double Double Oaked Bourbon for 2024, part of an annual series that celebrates Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
The product will be available in limited quantities at the Woodford Reserve Distillery starting at 9:00 AM EDT, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Customers are limited to two 375ml bottles.
“We are excited to offer one of our most treasured and exclusive annual bourbon releases again this winter,” McCall said. “This is the perfect bourbon for both new and experienced drinkers with tasting notes of burnt marshmallows, dried cherry, and bittersweet chocolate.”
Double Double Oaked is made by finishing fully mature Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for an additional year in a second, heavily toasted, lightly charred, new oak barrel. The extra year in the barrel creates a bourbon that is distinctly spicier than its original counterpart, which is known for its sweeter taste and finish.
Double Double Oaked is presented at 90.4 proof with a suggested retail price of $79.99 for a 375ml bottle.
Double Double Oaked will also be available in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers.
The gift shop does not ship, hold, or reserve bottles, and cannot accept credit cards over the phone or through email. All sales must be in person.
Tasting Notes for Double Double Oaked:
Color: Roasted coffee bean
Aroma: A robust medley of rich maple syrup, dark butterscotch, brittle caramel, bittersweet chocolate, burnt marshmallow and sweet hickory smoke notes dominate the nose.
Taste: Rich dried cherry and cranberry fruit swim in a blackberry jam brightened with hints of ripe apple. Chai tea and warming clove notes develop to spice up the palate.
Finish: Warm and drying with a lingering clove character.
