Woodford Reserve Rye is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey made with a pre-Prohibition style mash bill of 53% rye and bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV).
Released in 2015, Woodford Reserve Rye was only the third expression in the brand's core range. Master Distiller Chris Morris had been working on it since 2006, in answer to fans who had long asked for a rye from the historic distillery.
The mash bill of 53% rye, 33% corn and 14% malted barley pays homage to history's original rye whiskeys, a classic Kentucky rye ratio. Keeping the rye share moderate lets the grain's spice come to the front while the corn and malt keep it subtle, balanced and elegant.
Spice and tobacco are the dominant notes among a sea of fruit, floral and sweet aromatics. Clove, rye, mint, molasses, sorghum and honey mingle with hints of apple and malt, with fresh pear and cherry, black pepper and a touch of honey sweetness balancing the spice. The result is nicely sweet and well balanced.
Woodford Reserve Rye delivers complex flavors neat, on ice or in a cocktail, and since a balanced rye makes a more balanced cocktail, it is a natural choice for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Rye spice, tobacco, clove, mint.
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Palate: Molasses, honey, apple, pear, black pepper.
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Finish: Balanced spice and sweetness.
Specifications
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Distillery: Woodford Reserve, Kentucky
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Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
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Mash bill: 53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley
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Proof / ABV: 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Stir a Manhattan or a Sazerac, or sip it neat or over a large cube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mash bill?
53% rye, 33% corn and 14% malted barley.
When was it released?
2015, as the third expression in Woodford's core range.
Is it good for cocktails?
Yes, its balance makes it ideal for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
