£42.99
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Holiday Edition Whiskey is a special release that’s part of the Woodford Reserve family, known for crafting premium small-batch whiskeys. As a limited edition, this bottle is typically available around the holiday season, offering a unique twist on the classic Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon with slight changes to its flavour profile and presentation.
Distillery: Produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, which is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. Woodford Reserve’s reputation for quality stems from its use of time-honoured techniques and premium ingredients.
Mash Bill: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon, including the Holiday Edition, follows a classic bourbon mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This mash bill gives the bourbon a nice balance of sweetness from the corn, spiciness from the rye, and complexity from the malted barley.
Aging: Like all Woodford Reserve whiskeys, the Holiday Edition is aged in new, charred American oak barrels. The aging process imparts a rich, smooth flavour, contributing vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. The result is a well-balanced bourbon that is smooth and rich in flavour.
ABV: The Holiday Edition has an ABV of 43.2% (86.4 proof), which is slightly lower than the standard Woodford Reserve (which is typically 45.2% ABV). The slight reduction in proof makes this version a bit smoother, yet it still retains a lot of depth and character.
Nose: The Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Holiday Edition opens with inviting aromas of caramel, toffee, and vanilla, with a gentle spice of clove and cinnamon, which gives it a warm, festive character. There may also be hints of dark fruit, like raisins or figs, adding a touch of complexity.
Taste: On the palate, the Holiday Edition is smooth, with a creamy texture that’s not too aggressive. The rich caramel and vanilla flavours dominate, with honey and a slight fruitiness that balances out the sweetness. There is a subtle spice from the rye, as well as a hint of oak that gives the bourbon some depth. The holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are present but not overwhelming, making this a bourbon that feels like a festive treat.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of oak, caramel, and a faint spice that slowly fades. The smoothness of the whiskey, combined with the holiday spice, leaves a pleasant aftertaste that invites another sip.
Holiday Edition: This version of Woodford Reserve is crafted specifically for the holiday season, often with an emphasis on seasonal spices and flavour nuances that evoke a festive, comforting vibe. While it’s similar to the regular Woodford Reserve, it may have slightly more pronounced spices or a richer overall feel.
Limited Release: As a limited edition, the Holiday Edition is a sought-after bottle that whiskey enthusiasts enjoy collecting. Its release around the holiday season makes it a popular choice for gifting or for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings.
Smooth and Approachable: The 43.2% ABV gives the bourbon a slightly smoother feel than the regular Woodford Reserve, without sacrificing the rich complexity that defines the brand. It offers a balance of sweet, spicy, and woody notes that make it appealing to a wide range of bourbon drinkers.
Given its rich and smooth flavour profile, with notes of caramel, spice, and oak, the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Holiday Edition Whiskey pairs well with cigars that have a balanced mix of sweetness, spice, and earthy undertones. Here are some cigar pairings that would complement the festive, spiced profile of the Holiday Edition:
Padron 1926 Series
Arturo Fuente Anejo
Davidoff Winston Churchill The Late Hour
Oliva Serie V
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
