Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey 200ML

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey 200ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) in a convenient 200ml format. A multiple Double Gold winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression has earned consistent scores of 90 and above from both Wine Enthusiast and the Beverage Testing Institute — placing it firmly among the most decorated bourbons in its class.

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

Production & Heritage

The Woodford Reserve Distillery sits in Woodford County, Kentucky, and operates under the Brown-Forman Corporation. The bourbon is triple distilled in copper pot stills — a relative rarity among major Kentucky bourbon producers, most of whom rely on continuous column distillation. The mashbill runs 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and the mature spirit rests in one of the oldest steam-heated rackhouses in the state. These rackhouses are heat-cycled year-round, pushing the bourbon deeper into the charred oak barrels to extract more flavor complexity than a standard seasonal maturation would allow.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich dried fruit leads, followed by hints of fresh mint and orange peel, all layered beneath a fine dusting of cocoa. There is a subtle warmth underneath that suggests vanilla and toasted oak.

Taste: The entry is rounded and chewy with immediate toffee and caramel sweetness. At mid-palate, complex citrus and cinnamon spice emerge, giving way to dark chocolate and a pronounced butterscotch richness. The mouthfeel is notably full for a 90.4-proof bourbon, carrying the rye's influence through a peppery undercurrent.

Finish: Silky and almost creamy at the start, transitioning into a long, warm tail of espresso, dark bitter chocolate, and lingering cinnamon spice. Faint echoes of gingerbread and charred oak persist well after the final sip.

How to Drink Woodford Reserve

Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding way to experience the full range of cocoa, dried fruit, and spice. A single large ice cube opens the bourbon gently without diluting its texture too quickly. For cocktails, Woodford Reserve is a strong choice in an Old Fashioned, where its caramel and butterscotch depth anchors the bitters beautifully. It brings structure and spice to a Bourbon Sour, balancing citrus with its natural orange and cinnamon notes. In a Manhattan, the pot-still richness holds up against sweet vermouth without being overwhelmed.

Best For

• Sampling a premium bourbon without committing to a full bottle
• Travel-friendly companion for bourbon enthusiasts on the go
• Gifting as a stocking stuffer or tasting set addition
• Side-by-side comparison tastings with other Kentucky straight bourbons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Woodford Reserve taste like? Woodford Reserve delivers a chewy, rounded palate of toffee, caramel, cinnamon, and dark chocolate, supported by citrus brightness and a creamy, espresso-laced finish.

How does Woodford Reserve compare to Buffalo Trace? Both share a smooth caramel and vanilla backbone, but Woodford Reserve leans heavier into cocoa and baking spice due to its copper pot still triple distillation, while Buffalo Trace tends toward brighter fruit notes from its column-still production.

Is Woodford Reserve good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the 45.2% ABV delivers enough intensity to carry its complex flavor layers without excessive heat, making it one of the more approachable neat-sipping bourbons at its proof point.

Where is Woodford Reserve made? Woodford Reserve is produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky, owned and operated by the Brown-Forman Corporation.

What foods pair well with Woodford Reserve? Smoked brisket complements its charred oak and spice character. Dark chocolate truffles echo its cocoa notes. Pecan pie mirrors the bourbon's caramel and nutty vanilla qualities. Aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the butterscotch sweetness. Grilled peaches work well alongside the dried fruit and cinnamon profile.

What sizes does Woodford Reserve come in? Woodford Reserve is available in several formats including 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1L bottles, with the 200ml being ideal for sampling or travel.

Is Woodford Reserve worth the price? Woodford Reserve positions as a premium bourbon with multiple Double Gold medals and consistent 90+ critical scores, offering a level of complexity — particularly from its copper pot still process — that punches above many bottles in its price tier.

Why Woodford Reserve?

Triple copper pot still distillation is the clearest differentiator here — a production choice that gives Woodford Reserve a heavier, more textured body than the column-distilled bourbons that dominate the Kentucky landscape. The year-round heat-cycled rackhouses push that distillate into deeper interaction with charred oak, yielding layers of cocoa, dried fruit, and baking spice that feel more concentrated than many competitors at a similar proof. Multiple Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scores consistently at or above 90 points from the Beverage Testing Institute and Wine Enthusiast back up what the palate already tells you. In the 200ml format, it is one of the most accessible ways to experience a genuinely well-made Kentucky straight bourbon.