Woodford Reserve – Distiller's Select (70cl, 43.2%)

This is Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 43.2% in a 70cl bottle. It combines whiskey triple-distilled in copper pot stills with whiskey from a column still fitted with a thumper. The mash bill is 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. It matures in new white oak barrels from the distillery's own cooperage, toasted and charred to the house specification. Barrels are chosen for flavour rather than a set age. The nose is strong grain with clear oak and light spice. The palate brings sweet caramel, ripe apricot and banana bread, with leather, spicy tobacco and plenty of mint. The finish is long, with balanced spice.