Woodford Reserve Bourbon 750ML

Woodford Reserve Bourbon 750ML is a 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) Kentucky straight bourbon built on triple distillation and a grain-forward 72/18/10 mashbill. A multiple Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and rated up to 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, it stands as one of the most recognized premium bourbons in American whiskey.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45.2% (90.4 Proof)  |  Origin: Woodford County, Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery (Brown-Forman)

Production & Heritage

The Woodford Reserve Distillery sits in Woodford County, Kentucky, and is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest American-owned spirits companies. What distinguishes the production process is a relatively rare triple distillation using both copper pot stills and column stills — a combination uncommon in bourbon making that contributes to the whiskey's rounded, layered character. The mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley gives the spirit a sturdy backbone of grain sweetness sharpened by notable rye spice. Equally significant is the use of steam-heated rackhouses, one of the oldest such facilities still operating in Kentucky. While most bourbon distillers rely on traditional open-air rickhouses, Woodford Reserve heat-cycles its aging warehouses year-round, maximizing interaction between the developing bourbon and charred oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens heavy with rich dried fruit, followed by hints of mint and orange peel, all dusted with cocoa. Beneath those top notes sit layers of vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, hazelnut, and honey.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is rich and chewy — rounded and smooth without losing complexity. Mid-palate brings a progression of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa alongside nutty vanilla crème anglaise and baking spice. At its peak, the bourbon reveals blackened fruitcake, gingerbread, delicate cinnamon, and butterscotch, underpinned by a toasted, barbecued corn sweetness.

Finish: The finish is long and pleasing, marked by lightly spiced char-grilled corn and oaky butterscotch. A gentle warmth lingers without harshness, a hallmark of the triple-distillation process.

How to Drink Woodford Reserve

Neat or with a single ice cube is the ideal starting point — the 90.4 proof carries enough body to hold up to dilution while the lower heat lets its complexity speak clearly. A few drops of water can open up the dried fruit and cocoa layers further.

• Old Fashioned: The bourbon's butterscotch and baking spice backbone pairs naturally with a sugar cube and aromatic bitters, producing a textbook rendition of the classic.
• Bourbon Sour: Citrus and cinnamon notes in the spirit complement fresh lemon juice, creating balance without masking the whiskey's character.
• Mint Julep: The hint of mint already present on the nose makes Woodford Reserve a logical fit — it is, after all, the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values craft production details
• Building a home bourbon collection with a reliable premium anchor bottle
• Hosting an Old Fashioned cocktail night with friends
• Exploring the difference between pot-still and column-still bourbon character

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Woodford Reserve taste like? Woodford Reserve delivers a rich, chewy palate dominated by vanilla, cocoa, citrus, and cinnamon with underlying butterscotch and dried fruit. The finish is long and warmly spiced with toasted oak and caramel.

How does Woodford Reserve compare to Maker's Mark? Both are premium Kentucky bourbons at a similar price tier, but Maker's Mark uses a wheat-forward mashbill, producing a more mellow, buttery profile. Woodford Reserve's 18% rye content and triple distillation yield a spicier, more complex character with prominent cocoa and dried fruit notes.

Is Woodford Reserve good for sipping neat? At 90.4 proof, Woodford Reserve is well-suited for neat sipping — it carries enough intensity to deliver full flavor without excessive alcohol burn, thanks in part to its triple-distillation process.

Where is Woodford Reserve made? Woodford Reserve is produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky, located along Glenn's Creek in the heart of bourbon country. The distillery is owned and operated by Brown-Forman Corporation.

What foods pair well with Woodford Reserve? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and dried fruit notes. Smoked pork belly mirrors the bourbon's caramel and toasted oak. Pecan pie echoes its nutty vanilla character. Aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with sharp, savory depth. Grilled stone fruit like peaches draws out the underlying citrus and butterscotch.

What sizes does Woodford Reserve come in? Woodford Reserve Bourbon is widely available in 750ml, 1L, 375ml, and 50ml formats, with the 750ml being the standard retail bottle.

Is Woodford Reserve worth the price? Woodford Reserve positions as a premium bourbon that justifies its price point through genuine production distinctiveness — triple distillation, copper pot stills, and steam-heated rackhouses are not standard industry practices. Multiple Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scores up to 95 points from Wine Enthusiast reinforce its standing at the upper end of everyday premium bourbon.

Why Woodford Reserve?

Few bourbon distilleries still operate steam-heated rackhouses, and fewer still combine copper pot stills with column distillation in a triple-distilled process. These are not marketing embellishments — they are material production choices that shape the whiskey's unusually chewy, layered profile. The result has earned repeated Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and consistent scores at or above 90 points from major critics. In a crowded field of Kentucky straight bourbons, Woodford Reserve earns its shelf space through verifiable craft, not just brand recognition.