Woodford Reserve – Master's Collection Historic Barrel Entry Bourbon (70cl, 45.2%)

This is the 2022 release in the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 45.2% (90.4 proof) in a 70cl bottle. It was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. The theme is barrel entry proof. The spirit goes into the barrel at 100 proof, as it did in the 19th century, rather than the 125 proof standard in place since 1962. A lower entry proof means less water is added on leaving the barrel, leaving more of the flavour taken from the charred oak. The nose offers vanilla bean, dried apple, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon, with coffee, hazelnut and dark cherry. On the palate, toasted oak meets overripe banana and cooked berries, and the finish is charred oak, leather and orange oil.