Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection – Four Wood: So far week we’ve looked at the Maple Wood Finish and Seasoned Oak Finish from this current Woodford’s Reserve Master’s Collection range. For this bottling, Woodford have pushed the limit of what Kentucky Whiskey offers by crafting rare and innovative products. Four Wood is a unique batch of mature Woodford Reserve bourbon which has been aged in American Oak and has been finished in barrels made from Maple Wood, first fill Sherry Wood and Port Wood. “The batching ratios of the three finishing barrels were painstakingly chosen so that no one character dominated the final product. Instead, Four Wood is so balanced that the palate effects of the four woods plays a discernible role in the final flavour presentation.”
FOUR WOOD
On the nose: you’ll experience rich butterscotch, apples, peaches and maple wood. This is then nicely followed by those distinct spices of cinnamon, cloves and cardamom; the combination of these spices is like that of pimento. On the palate: those sweet flavours nosed emerge like that of a well aged rum, followed by butterscotch and maple syrup. A touch of marzipan will start to creep in followed by those earlier spices nosed, then that american oak will become more prominent. The finish: has a moderate kick to it, with lingering nuttiness and a bit of sticky syrup.
The verdict: The Four Wood in my opinion was probably one of the best on the night. The way the flavours unravel like that of a well-balanced scotch was awesome. It was a dram of classic Woodford Reserve with the dials turned up to 11! I found it is best enjoyed straight, or with a very small amount of mineral water to allow the flavours to breathe to really appreciate this bourbon whiskey. However, you may want to whip up a cocktail just to mix it up a little.
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Four Wood can be found online at The Whisky Shop for approximately £158.
