Woodford Reserve's Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey is a malt whiskey made the Kentucky way: at least 51% malted barley, aged in new charred oak. The brand calls it the malt whiskey for bourbon drinkers.
About This Whiskey
Most single malts are 100% malted barley aged in used casks. This one uses 51% malted barley, the legal minimum for American malt whiskey, with the rest mostly corn and a little rye. It then goes into new charred oak barrels, just like Woodford's bourbon, so the oak shows clearly alongside the malt. The higher malt content brings out the nutty character already found in the core Woodford bourbon. It is part of the Distiller's Select range and bottled at 90.4 proof, 45.2% ABV.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Soft nutty notes with light caramel and milk chocolate over apple, dried fruit and tropical fruit, with brown spice, mint and toasted oak.
- Palate: Dark chocolate and caramel-coated nuts, cocoa powder and brown spice, brightened by fruit and a trace of toasted coconut.
- Finish: Nutty, with subtly sweet chocolate malt.
Serving & Food
Try it slightly cool, neat, in a tulip glass, then side by side with the bourbon to see what the malt changes. It also works in a Rob Roy style drink with sweet vermouth. Pair with hazelnut cake, roast chicken or salted peanuts.
How to Enjoy
Scotch drinkers curious about American malt, and bourbon fans wanting a nuttier, softer pour.
Product Details
Category: Kentucky straight malt whiskey
Producer: Woodford Reserve
Mash Bill: 51% malted barley, 47% corn, 2% rye
Cask: New charred oak
ABV: 45.2%
Proof: 90.4
Country: USA
Format: 700mL
About the Distillery
Woodford Reserve puts its whiskey down to five sources of flavour: grain, water, fermentation, distillation and maturation. Water comes from the limestone-rich ground around the distillery, and the barrels are built, toasted and charred at Brown-Forman's own cooperage.
Once filled, the barrels rest in warehouses that are heat-cycled: warmed and cooled through the year to move the whiskey in and out of the wood. The distillery also uses its site for experiments, releasing grain and cask trials through its Distillery Series and yearly Master's Collection.
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