Produced in small amounts and released at the Master Distiller’s discretion, the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection bourbons are bottled once at 47.2% ABV.
The newest addition to the range, Maple Wood Finish, undergoes a secondary maturation in sugar maple wood barrels. Master Distiller, Chris Morris, says:
“Sugar maple trees have a complex natural chemistry, rich in calcium, potassium and other minerals, but they are best known for their flavourful sap which contains as much as 3% sugar.
Though it was thought that whiskey barrels could not be crafted from sugar maple wood, our Brown-Forman Cooperage has done just that. The Master’s Collection Maple Wood Finish uniquely finish-ages Woodford Reserve in a toasted, not charred, maple wood barrel, resulting in a whiskey enhanced with hints of maple, honey and cinnamon.”
Tasting Notes for Woodford Reserve Maple Wood Finish
- Colour: Golden Brown
- Aroma: Rich and sweet with hints of brown sugar, glazed baked apricots, milk chocolate and fresh toasted oak
- Taste: Warm with cinnamon spice, faint hints of maple syrup, berry fruit and a touch of nuttiness
- Finish: Crisp with delicate maple syrup notes lingering on with a touch of warm fruit
The Maple Wood Finish variety joins Four Grain, Sonoma-Cutrer Finish, Sweet Mash and Seasoned Oak offerings in the Master’s Collection range, is is available in small numbers from The Whisky Exchange, currently priced at £110 for a 750ml bottle.