Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Super Seasoned Oak 700ML

Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Super Seasoned Oak 700ML is a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 50.2% ABV (100.4 proof) in a 700ml bottle. Part of the acclaimed Master's Collection annual series launched in 2005, this expression spotlights a rarely explored variable in bourbon production: the duration of oak stave seasoning before barrel construction.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50.2% (100.4 Proof)  |  Origin: Woodford County, Kentucky, USA  |  Limited Edition  |  Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery

Production & Heritage

The Woodford Reserve Distillery sits on a site in Versailles, Kentucky, where whiskey has been produced since 1812, making it one of the oldest distilling locations in the state. Brown-Forman acquired and restored the property in 1996, equipping it with copper pot stills for triple distillation — a rarity among Kentucky bourbon producers. The standard Woodford Reserve mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley forms the base of the Master's Collection expressions.

What distinguishes Super Seasoned Oak is the treatment of the white oak staves before barrel assembly. While the industry standard for stave seasoning — natural air-drying outdoors to break down harsh tannins and develop wood sugars — typically runs six to nine months, the staves used for this expression were seasoned for years beyond that norm. This extended exposure to the elements fundamentally changes the chemistry of the wood, reducing aggressive tannins and unlocking deeper layers of sweetness and complexity before the barrel is charred and filled. Master Distiller Chris Morris, architect of the Master's Collection series, has long emphasized the impact of wood preparation on the final spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich vanilla and toasted oak lead, followed by dried stone fruit and layered baking spices. A subtle undercurrent of honey and roasted grain deepens as the bourbon opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is round and caramel-sweet, moving into a mid-palate of dark chocolate, toffee, and warming rye spice. The oak influence is prominent but notably refined — present as sweetness and structure rather than astringency, a direct result of the extended stave seasoning.

Finish: Long and warming with a polished tannin backbone. Lingering notes of vanilla bean, toasted grain, and dark dried fruit persist well after each sip.

How to Drink Super Seasoned Oak

At 100.4 proof, this bourbon rewards neat pours in a Glencairn or rocks glass, where its refined oak character can develop fully; a few drops of water soften the proof and open additional aromatics. While designed primarily for contemplative sipping, the expression's bold structure holds up in spirit-forward cocktails. An Old Fashioned lets the enhanced wood-sugar sweetness replace simple syrup almost entirely. A Boulevardier gains uncommon depth as the bourbon's toffee notes complement the bittersweet vermouth. A Kentucky Mule channels the rye-spice character against sharp ginger beer.

Best For

• Gifting a serious bourbon collector who values limited-edition releases
• Side-by-side tastings exploring the impact of oak treatment on bourbon character
• Celebrating a milestone with a contemplative pour after dinner
• Adding a rare expression to a curated home whiskey library

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Super Seasoned Oak taste like? It presents a refined, sweetness-forward bourbon profile dominated by caramel, dark chocolate, and vanilla, with notable rye spice and oak warmth that feel polished rather than aggressive due to the extended wood seasoning.

How does Super Seasoned Oak compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Double Oaked uses a second maturation in a heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel to amplify wood influence, while Super Seasoned Oak alters the barrel's raw material by extending the stave seasoning period, producing a different kind of oak sweetness with less tannic bite. Both are oak-driven expressions, but the method and resulting flavor profile differ substantially.

Is Super Seasoned Oak good for sipping neat? Its 100.4-proof strength and refined tannin structure make it an excellent neat sipper, though a splash of water can help reveal additional complexity for those who prefer a gentler proof.

Where is Super Seasoned Oak made? It is produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky — a National Historic Landmark where whiskey has been made since 1812, now owned and operated by Brown-Forman.

What foods pair well with Super Seasoned Oak? Dark chocolate truffles mirror its cocoa and toffee notes. Pecan pie complements the toasted-grain sweetness. Smoked brisket stands up to the bourbon's bold proof. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese echoes its nutty, caramel character. Crème brûlée provides a textural contrast against the warming finish.

What sizes does Super Seasoned Oak come in? This expression is available in a 700ml bottle, consistent with the Master's Collection format for many international and travel retail markets.

Is Super Seasoned Oak worth the price? As an annual limited-edition Master's Collection release, it positions squarely in the ultra-premium tier and is priced accordingly. Its value lies in the unique production variable being explored — not easily replicated by other producers — and its appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who follow the series.

Why Super Seasoned Oak?

The Master's Collection series exists to isolate and showcase individual variables in bourbon production, and Super Seasoned Oak may be one of its most instructive entries. By dramatically extending the period oak staves spend air-drying before barrel construction, the distillery has changed the fundamental chemistry of the wood itself — an approach that requires years of planning and cannot be shortcut. The result is a bourbon where oak influence manifests as sweetness and structural elegance rather than the tannic grip often associated with heavily wooded whiskey. For drinkers interested in understanding how barrel preparation shapes flavor, this limited release provides a rare and focused case study from one of Kentucky's most storied distillery sites.