Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition 700ML

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition 700ML is a cognac cask-finished Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) in a hand-crafted Baccarat crystal decanter. Awarded 95 points by Whisky Advocate, this limited expression stands apart through an unusually lengthy three-year finishing period in XO cognac barrels sourced from France — a technique Master Distiller Chris Morris has reserved exclusively for this bottling within the Woodford Reserve portfolio.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45.2%  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Minimum 6 Years + 3-Year Cognac Cask Finish  |  Distillery: Woodford Reserve (Brown-Forman)

Production & Heritage

Woodford Reserve Distillery, owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, operates in Versailles, Kentucky, and is one of the state's oldest and most recognized bourbon-producing sites. The Baccarat Edition begins as a blend of copper pot still and column still distillates built on a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. After maturing for a minimum of six years in new charred American oak barrels, the bourbon enters a secondary finishing phase in French XO cognac casks — each barrel having previously held cognac for three full seasons before receiving Woodford Reserve liquid. This extended three-year cognac cask finish is a rarity in American whiskey, and Chris Morris has indicated that bourbon drinkers should not expect a true cognac cask finish from the brand outside this specific expression.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich toasted oak opens the nose, layered with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and creamy vanilla bean. Deeper exploration reveals clove, cinnamon spice, dried fruit, and delicate citrus peel — the cognac influence showing itself early through an almost brandy-like sultry raisin quality.

Taste: The entry is smooth and elegantly structured, with vanilla custard, dark chocolate, and butterscotch arriving first. At mid-palate, sticky dark fruit and candied citrus emerge alongside creamy caramel and rich malt, while herbal spice, chocolate licorice, and charred nuts build complexity. A touch of buttered popcorn adds an unexpected but characteristic Woodford Reserve signature beneath the cognac-barrel sweetness.

Finish: Velvety in texture and remarkably long, the finish delivers baking spice, cracked black pepper, and polished oak. A delicately spiced caramel mocha note lingers well after each sip, rewarding patience.

How to Drink the Baccarat Edition

This bourbon is best appreciated neat or with a few drops of water, which opens the dried fruit and herbal complexities without diminishing the finish. Given its collectible presentation and layered profile, it rewards slow, deliberate sipping. For those inclined to mix, the cognac-influenced character lends itself to a Vieux Carré, where its dark fruit and spice complement rye vermouth and Bénédictine; a Boulevardier, where its chocolate and caramel depth balances Campari's bitterness; or a refined Old Fashioned, where a single Demerara sugar cube lets the cognac-barrel nuances shine through.

Best For

• Gifting a serious bourbon collector or whiskey enthusiast who values rare finishes
• Displaying as a centerpiece in a curated home bar or spirits cabinet
• Marking a milestone celebration such as a retirement, anniversary, or major achievement
• Adding to a private collection of limited-edition American whiskey releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Baccarat Edition taste like? It delivers a rich, layered profile led by dark chocolate, vanilla custard, dried fruit, and caramel, with herbal spice and charred nut undertones derived from its extended three-year cognac cask finish. The finish is long and velvety with baking spice, cracked pepper, and a lingering caramel mocha character.

How does the Baccarat Edition compare to Rémy Martin Louis XIII? Both are presented in Baccarat crystal decanters, but they occupy different categories entirely — the Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in cognac barrels at 45.2% ABV, while Louis XIII is a Grande Champagne cognac blended from eaux-de-vie aged up to 100 years. The Baccarat Edition bridges both worlds by layering cognac-influenced dried fruit and brandy-like sweetness over a traditional bourbon backbone of corn, oak, and vanilla.

Is the Baccarat Edition good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its 45.2% ABV provides enough structure for neat drinking without excessive heat, and the complex cognac-barrel influence unfolds gradually with each sip. Whisky Advocate's 95-point score specifically praised its lengthy, spiced finish, which rewards unhurried tasting.

Where is the Baccarat Edition made? It is produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky, owned by Brown-Forman Corporation. The XO cognac casks used for finishing are sourced from France under the direction of Master Distiller Chris Morris.

What foods pair well with the Baccarat Edition? Dark chocolate truffles complement its cocoa and caramel notes; aged Comté or Gruyère cheese highlights the toasted oak and nutty undertones; fig and walnut tart mirrors its dried fruit character; seared duck breast with a cherry reduction echoes the brandy-like sweetness; and crème brûlée pairs naturally with the bourbon's vanilla custard and caramelized sugar finish.

What sizes does the Baccarat Edition come in? The standard release is a 700ml Baccarat crystal decanter, which is the primary format available for this expression.

Is the Baccarat Edition worth the price? This positions firmly as an ultra-premium, collectible bourbon where the price reflects both the rare three-year cognac cask finishing process and the hand-crafted Baccarat crystal presentation. For drinkers who value unique cask finishes and limited-production American whiskey, the 95-point Whisky Advocate score and the exclusivity of the cognac barrel program provide strong justification within its luxury tier.

Why the Baccarat Edition?

The defining differentiator here is the three-year cognac cask finish — a step that Master Distiller Chris Morris has confirmed will not appear in any other Woodford Reserve expression. That extended secondary maturation in French XO cognac barrels imparts a dried fruit richness and brandy-like complexity virtually impossible to find in American whiskey. The 95-point Whisky Advocate rating validates the result: an unusual but compelling bourbon that bridges Kentucky tradition and French winemaking heritage. Presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter, the entire package speaks to collectors and serious whiskey drinkers who seek something genuinely singular in the bourbon landscape.