Woodford Reserve Rye is the latest rye release from whiskey giant Brown-Forman, but it isn’t the first rye release from Woodford Reserve. Back in 2011 they released 2 rye whiskies as part of their Master’s Collection. One was aged in new charred oak, one was aged in ex-bourbon barrels and I’ve had neither of them because they were crazy expensive back then and are even more now when you come across them.
There is no age statement on the Woodford Reserve Rye, but it is a straight rye so that means it’s at least 4 years old. Like with their 2 main bourbon products, Woodford Reserve and Woodford Reserve Double Oak, this whisky is actually a mix of 2 different whiskies. The bulk comes from spirit distilled on their column still with the remainder coming from spirit distilled on their copper pot still. New whiskey, same methods… so let’s see how it tastes.
Woodford Reserve Rye Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Woodford Reserve
Mashbill: 53% rye, 14% malt and 33% corn
Cask: New charred oak
Age: NAS
ABV:45%
Price: $50
Woodford Reserve Rye Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Butterscotch, fruit and caramel dominate with lighter notes of toasted grains, Banana Laffy Taffy and spice. There are some lighter undertones of spearmint and sugar that seem to reside under it the whole time, but never fully express.
PALATE
Butterscotch, toasted grains, banana taffy and a touch coppery and some light hints of caramel syrup, malty sweetness and spearmint. The spice is so light I could just be imagining it from the nose.
FINISH
Long and filled with butterscotch, banana taffy and red fruit. Towards the end of the fade some rye spice, spearmint and a light dill shows up.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
This odd collection of flavors and aromas is strangely well balanced; a medium body and smooth texture wrap it up.
OVERALL
I don’t really like the Woodford Reserve Rye, but I also don’t really dislike it – though I definitely like their bourbons more. The only thing that’s really interesting about it is that it reminds me of some of the Very Olde St Nick ryes with the amount of butterscotch I’m finding in this sample (supplied by a friend). It’s soft and sweet and I’m really missing is the rye aspect of this one. In some ways it comes off tasting a bit more like a Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, which could be the pot still influence, than it does other rye whiskies out there now. Interesting stuff for sure, but overall just comes across a bit empty – not fully my cup of rye.
SCORE: 83/100
