Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry Release “Master’s Collection” Release
If you’re a fan of Kentucky bourbon, then you know that Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of the most respected names in the business. Their Master’s Collection has been setting industry standards since 2004, and this year they’ve released their 18th edition: Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry. Let’s take a look at what makes this whiskey so special.
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On February 9th, Woodford Reserve Distillery is releasing a limited edition 700-ml bottle for $129, available in select U.S., as well as global markets. Making this release extra special is the recent news announcing Elizabeth McCall as their new Master Distiller – making her only the ninth distiller since Woodford Reserve’s founding over 200 years ago. If you’re looking to get your hands on what’s sure to be a truly extraordinary whiskey release, save the date of February 9th and don’t miss out!
This highly anticipated drop is featured on our bourbon release calendar, so stay tuned to that for all of the upcoming releases. We review everything bourbon lovers need to know from price to proof. What exactly is the “Master’s Collection” though you may ask?
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The Master’s Collection started in 2004, featuring experimental releases by Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. The first release of that series was a “Four Grain” expression that has went on to pop up in other releases such as the beloved “Distillery Series.”
Review & Tasting Notes
Woodford Reserve has just unveiled the 18th edition of its Master’s Collection, and it is sure to be a hit. Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry 18th Edition uses a distillation process that lowers the barrel entry proof below the industry standard set in 1962. Woodford Reserve says this gives them more control over flavor development and allows them to craft a unique whiskey.
Aroma-wise, this whiskey has notes of vanilla bean and dried apple dusted with nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon with a hint of cocoa. Roasted coffee and hazelnut soften into notes of dark cherry and plum muddled with spearmint. On the palate you can expect rich toasted oak with overripe banana and a medley of cooked berry fruits. Hints of leather and baking spices trail into minty dark chocolate. The finish leaves you witha lingering hint of charred oak, leather, and orange oil.
When it comes to whiskey, aging is the name of the game. Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Historic Barrel Entry was freshly distilled, then entered into a barrel at 100 proof – a noticeably lower proof than what many industry standards set in 1962 have sanctioned. While modern whiskey distilleries may typically age their spirits higher in order to maximize flavor, this vintage bourbon harkens back to an era before those inflated potency levels were the norm, allowing for an different experience and authentic heritage taste.
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“A lower entry proof seems counterintuitive when one thinks of getting more flavor from the new, charred barrel. In fact, many of the barrel extractives we desire are more water soluble than they are alcohol,” Morris said. “By having a lower entry proof (in other words more water in the barrel than the Woodford Reserve standard of 110 proof entry) will result in richer, sweet characteristics being absorbed from the barrel’s famed red layer.”
Color
Deep russet orange
Nose
Aroma: An alluring medley of vanilla bean and dried apple dusted with nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon with a hint of cocoa. Roasted coffee and hazelnut soften into notes of dark cherry and plum muddled with spearmint.
Palate
Taste: Rich toasted oak is tempered by overripe banana and a medley of cooked berry fruits. Hints of leather, coffee, and baking spice trail into minty dark chocolate.
Finish
A lingering finish of charred oak, leather, and orange oil.
SEE ALSO: Woodford Reserve Toasted Oak Oat Grain Bourbon “Distillery Series” Release, Price, Review, and Proof
Release Date & Availability
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry will be available starting on February 9, 2023 in select U.S. markets as well as global markets through retailers.
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Proof & ABV
With the whole premise of Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry revolving around the proof, we’re sure you’re wondering that proof for this particular whiskey recipe is 90.4 and its ABV (the percentage of alcohol by volume) is 45.2%.
Mash Bill
A mash bill is typically made up of a few ingredients, all used to create certain flavor profiles for different whiskeys. This includes Woodford Reserve’s 18th edition Historic Barrel Entry Whiskey recipe which contains around 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This grain mixture along with their yeast strain create that unique Woodford flavor profile.
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MSRP & Secondary Price
The suggested retail price (MSRP) for one bottle of Woodford Reserve’s 18th Edition Historic Barrel Entry Whiskey is $129.99. However, due to limited availability and interest in the product by collectors or connoisseurs alike, markups and secondary prices may be inevitably higher. Therefore, make sure to check around before purchasing.
This 2023 Limited Edition release is available in a 750ml bottle which is the same bottle the distillery uses for all of the Master’s Collection. This is not the standard flask-like bottle the distillery uses for its flagship whiskey. Therefore, look for this WoodfordHistoric Barrel Entry for an MSRP of$129.99 at your local liquor store. Nonetheless, we know how mark-up and bundling goes for allocated products.
With its unique distillation process and mash bill blend combined with its low proof and ABV levels compared to present industry standards set in 1962 – Woodford Reserve’s 18th Edition Historic Barrel Entry Whiskey recipe should definitely be added to your must-try list! Whether you’re new to bourbon drinking or an experienced connoisseur – make sure not to miss out on this special edition from one of Kentucky’s most respected distilleries!
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