Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a premium brand of Kentucky Bourbon whiskey produced in Woodford County, Kentucky. Importantly, it is one of the world’s best distilleries owned by the Brown Forman family. The world renowned bourbon is made from a mixture in their infamous copper pot stills. Not only is the distillery located in the Bluegrass State, but it is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! This fine bourbon is made at the site of a historic landmark.

Why is Woodford Reserve So Good?

Well, it’s all in the barrel and grain recipe! The spirit is matured in new, charred, white oak barrels that are specifically crafted to the distillery. The barrels are crafted, toasted, and charred at their very own cooperage. Additionally. the specific distilling process, contributes flavor, complexity, and balance. Importantly, Woodford is crafted with a recipe of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barely. The grain recipe balances the sweetness of corn with the spice of rye and the nuttiness of malt.

The Bourbon

The distillery produces: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Double Oaked, Straight Rye Whiskey, Straight Malt Whiskey, and Wheat Whiskey. It also distills limited edition releases, including the Reserve Master’s Collection, the Master’s Collection Batch Proof, a Kentucky-only Distillery Series, and a special yearly bottle celebrating the Kentucky Derby.

It has been declared the “official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and partakes in the tradition of the $1,000 Mint Julep Cocktail.

Although Woodford Reserve is the Derby’s “official bourbon”, its sister brand Old Forester serves mint juleps as the “official drink.” Therefore, the sister brand is featured in the more moderately priced juleps served at the event.

How to Drink Woodford Reserve

This bourbon is classified as a fine bourbon and is often used to craft the best craft cocktails. It can also be enjoyed neat, on the rocks. You can checkout some Woodford Reserve cocktails following these recipes.

The Distillery

The Woodford Reserve Distillery has been around since 1812 and has deep roots. Formerly, it was known as Old Oscar Pepper Distillery, followed by the Labrot & Graham Distillery. It is located 8 miles from the beautiful town of Versailles, Kentucky.

Although the site was not always operational, the main structure, built in 1838, stands as one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky. Importantly, it’s well preserved architecture has defined it as a National Historic Landmark alongside being on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the top visited distilleries in Kentucky.

The History of Woodford Reserve

Originally established by Elijah Pepper, the distillery was passed on to his son and known as the Oscar Pepper Distillery when Dr. James Crow worked there. Crow was known to improve the quality of the bourbon making process and introduced sour mash fermentation, pot still distillation, and bourbon maturation. The distillery was then passed on to his son James E. Pepper who later sold it to Leopold Labrot and James Graham who owned and operated (except during prohibition.) It was then sold to The Brown Forman corporation in 1941.

Brown-Forman operated it until the late 1960s, then sold the property and acreage to a local farmer. Brown-Forman re-purchased the property in 1993, refurbished it, and brought it back into operation. The Woodford Reserve brand was introduced to the market in 1996.

KY Supply Co x Woodford Reserve

Kentucky Supply Co is here to cover all things Woodford Reserve! Follow us along as we cover the latest bottle releases, cocktail recipes, and news.