Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection – Seasoned Oak Finish: Last week we looked at the Maple Wood Finish from this current Woodford’s Reserve Master’s Collection range. For this bottling, Woodford Reserve have taken some of their standard barrels, which they craft themselves and season them for almost as long as the bourbon. This extra seasoning lasts for between three and five years by setting them outside and absorbing the change of the seasons. After that, fully matured Woodford Reserve is poured inside and allowed to rest longer and soak in the oak’s special characteristics. The result is the most robust bourbon that we have seen from Woodford Reserve.
SEASONED OAK FINISH
On the nose: it’s moderately sweet (not as sweet as the maple wood finish), followed by marzipan and vanilla. This is then closely followed by cinnamon, cloves, a smidgen of caramel and some lovely beech wood oak. On the palate: those initial notes on the nose will be confirmed on the palate, it starts with a bit of fruity sweetness, which quickly disperses and is then followed by those marzipan and vanilla notes. You’ll get those cinnamon and caramel notes but there is a lovely tangy note in there too, with a hint of nuttiness. The finish: has a moderate kick to it, with lingering oakiness and a bit of spice.
The verdict: Like I stated before, I had no preconceptions of this tasting – so I attended with an open mind. However, I was definitely more impressed with this Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak over the Maple Wood Finish. 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 Seasoned Oak Finish can be found online at The Whisky Shop for approximately £158.
