About This Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Rye joined the core range in 2015. It uses a mash of 53% rye, a ratio the brand ties to pre-Prohibition rye recipes, so it keeps some of the house bourbon's sweetness under the spice.
The mash is 53% rye, 33% corn and 14% malted barley, just over the 51% needed to call it rye.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Rye spice and tobacco, with cherry, mint, cinnamon and a floral lift.
- Palate: Sweet vanilla and caramel first, then pepper, clove and dried citrus.
- Finish: Dry and spicy, with oak and a lingering clove note.
Serving & Food
A natural Manhattan or Sazerac base, where the spice cuts through the vermouth or absinthe. Pastrami on rye, spiced lamb skewers or ginger cake suit it.
Good to Know
What's the mash? 53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley.
Is it good in cocktails? Yes. It's spicy but not fierce.
Product Details
| Producer | Woodford Reserve (Brown-Forman) |
| Country | USA |
| Mash Bill | 53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley |
| ABV | 45.2% (90.4 proof) |
| Size | 700mL |
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About the Distillery
Woodford's style was shaped by Chris Morris, who started in the bourbon business in 1976 and was master distiller until Elizabeth McCall succeeded him in 2023. He remains master distiller emeritus.