Introduction:
Woodford Reserve distillery offers three distinct expressions of whiskey as part of their core products lineup. Despite being distilled using the same water and yeast, all three are bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV).
- Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Introduced to the American market in 1996, this Bourbon has gained widespread recognition and success. It boasts a well-balanced flavor profile that blends spicy notes with sweet elements of caramel, vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, and wood.
- Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This expression undergoes a unique finishing process in a second barrel after its initial maturation. The second barrels are toasted for an extended duration (40 minutes) compared to the first barrels and are charred for a shorter time (5 seconds instead of 25). This process imparts sweeter aromas to the Bourbon due to the breakdown of more lignin protein in the wood.
- Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: Introduced in 2015, this offering features a mash bill with a majority of 53% rye, resulting in bold and spicy aromas. Notes of clove, cinnamon, tobacco, pepper, and a lengthy fruity finish characterize this rye whiskey.
In addition to these core expressions, Woodford Reserve releases special editions as part of the Woodford Master’s Collection. These releases are experimental in nature, as Master Distiller Chris Morrisson modifies one of the key flavor components water, grain, fermentation, distillation, or maturation to create unique and distinctive variations.
The Production:
Chris Morrisson holds the pivotal role of Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. His responsibilities encompass overseeing the entire whiskey production process, from crafting the spirit to selecting barrels and creating new releases. With a tenure at Brown – Forman that began in 1976, he assumed the role of Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve in 2004.
Woodford Reserve is known for producing its whiskeys in small batches, each marked with a batch number and bottle number on the label. This practice ensures that each batch of whiskey maintains its unique characteristics and allows enthusiasts to appreciate the subtle differences that can arise from one batch to another.
The Mashing:
In the past, Woodford Reserve used water from a nearby stream for distillation, but now they have a reliable source of clean water from a deep well that supplies them throughout the year. This water is used in the mashing process, where the grains are mixed with it. For their Bourbon, the mash bill consists of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The enzymes present in the barley play a crucial role in converting starch into sugar during the mashing process. On the other hand, the mash bill for their Rye Whiskey contains a lower percentage of corn and higher percentage of rye, specifically 53%.
The Fermentation:
Like many other distilleries, Woodford Reserve uses its own unique yeast strain. This particular yeast is selected for its ability to promote a slow fermentation process that lasts around 6 days. This extended fermentation period contributes to the development of fruity aromas in the resulting beer. Woodford Reserve’s fermentation process is also influenced by the use of relatively small fermenters, each with a capacity of 7,500 gallons. These smaller vessels allow heat to dissipate quickly, leading to lower mash temperatures that facilitate the slow fermentation.
Woodford Reserve employs a sour mash process, which involves adding remnants from the previous batch’s first distillation into the new mash. This practice, where about 6% of the mash is composed of these residues, helps maintain consistency and flavor continuity between batches.
The Distillation:
Woodford Reserve takes pride in its three copper pot stills, which play a significant role in creating the unique character of their Bourbon. While these stills resemble traditional Scottish pot stills, the distillation process at Woodford Reserve has its own distinctive elements. Unlike in traditional pot stills where only the liquid beer is distilled, at Woodford Reserve, both the liquid and the solids from the mash are added to the beer still. This unique approach contributes to the flavor profile of their Bourbon.
After the distillation process, the still can be opened at the bottom to remove the residues, which are then used for the sour mash in subsequent batches. The second distillation takes place in the high wine still using only the liquid portion, and similarly, the third distillation in the spirit still is focused on the liquid. This triple distillation results in a spirit with a high proof of 158 (79% ABV). The presence of reflux bowls in each of the three stills enhances copper interaction with the spirit, intensifying the exchange of flavors and leading to the development of fruity aromas.
Woodford Reserve’s spirit safe, used to control the flow of the distillate, is a familiar sight to Scotch Whisky enthusiasts. It was crafted by Forsyths of Rothes, a prominent manufacturer of stills and distillery equipment in Scotland.
Warehouses:
Woodford Reserve, being under the ownership of Brown-Forman, benefits from its association with the company’s own cooperage in Louisville. This allows them to have a unique level of control over their barrel production. Notably, the barrels used to mature Woodford Reserve Bourbon are crafted from staves that have been exposed to natural weather conditions for approximately 9 months. This weathering process imparts a pre-matured quality to the wood, resulting in barrels that contribute fewer bitter flavors compared to freshly constructed ones.
A distinctive aspect of Woodford Reserve’s barrel filling process is that the white dog, the unaged distillate, is brought down to 110 proof (55% ABV) before being filled into the barrels. This practice sets Woodford Reserve apart, as most other distilleries perform the dilution before bottling. By introducing the diluted spirit into the barrels, more interaction occurs between the Whiskey and the wood. This intensifies the maturation process and enhances the influence of the wood on the spirit.
Woodford Reserve takes a hands-on approach to their barrel inscriptions, as they are still done by hand. This personal touch adds to the craft and tradition of their production.
The warehouses used by Woodford Reserve are constructed from brick and stone and date back to the late 19th century. These warehouses are designed to facilitate maturation by alternating between heating and cooling cycles. The expansion and contraction of the barrels due to these temperature changes encourage the Whiskey to penetrate the wood, resulting in a more intense interaction between the spirit and the barrel, enhancing the maturation process.
The History:
Elijah Pepper’s venture into distilling in 1812 marked the beginnings of what would later become a legacy. Little could he have foreseen that his Old Pepper Whiskey distillery would endure for more than two centuries. In 1878, Labrot & Graham took ownership of the distillery, a torch later passed to Brown – Forman in 1941. However, the whiskey industry’s fluctuating fortunes took their toll, leading to periods of decline. During a steep downturn in the Bourbon market, the distillery was abandoned and eventually sold off in the 1970s. This resulted in the dismantling of equipment and facilities, almost erasing its existence.
However, as interest in Single Malt and Bourbon Whiskey was rekindled, Brown-Forman saw the opportunity to restore the distillery’s legacy. In 1992, they repurchased the distillery campus, undertaking a comprehensive rebuilding effort. The distillery was resurrected from the ground up, embracing modernity and innovation while paying homage to its storied history.
Visitor Center:
The visitor center is opened every day.
Distillery tours cost $10 per person and are offered on the hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Sunday (March – December): 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Reservation is requested for groups of 18 or more (859) 879.1812.
There are also special tours offered as the “National Landmark Tour” or the “Corn to Cork Tour”.
Prices are $30 per person; reservation requested
Visitor information:
Woodford Reserve Distillery
7855 McCracken Pike
Versailles
Kentucky 40383
Tel: +1(859)879-1812
Information about the Distillery: |
|
| Number of bottles: | 0 Bottles |
| Country, Region: | USA, Kentucky |
| Coordinates: | -84.812500 38.113114 |
| Status: | Active |
| Company: | Brown Forman |
| Official Website: | http://www.woodfordreserve.com/ |
Introduction:
Woodford Reserve distillery offers three distinct expressions of whiskey as part of their core products lineup. Despite being distilled using the same water and yeast, all three are bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV).
- Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Introduced to the American market in 1996, this Bourbon has gained widespread recognition and success. It boasts a well-balanced flavor profile that blends spicy notes with sweet elements of caramel, vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, and wood.
- Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This expression undergoes a unique finishing process in a second barrel after its initial maturation. The second barrels are toasted for an extended duration (40 minutes) compared to the first barrels and are charred for a shorter time (5 seconds instead of 25). This process imparts sweeter aromas to the Bourbon due to the breakdown of more lignin protein in the wood.
- Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey: Introduced in 2015, this offering features a mash bill with a majority of 53% rye, resulting in bold and spicy aromas. Notes of clove, cinnamon, tobacco, pepper, and a lengthy fruity finish characterize this rye whiskey.
In addition to these core expressions, Woodford Reserve releases special editions as part of the Woodford Master’s Collection. These releases are experimental in nature, as Master Distiller Chris Morrisson modifies one of the key flavor components water, grain, fermentation, distillation, or maturation to create unique and distinctive variations.
The Production:
Chris Morrisson holds the pivotal role of Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. His responsibilities encompass overseeing the entire whiskey production process, from crafting the spirit to selecting barrels and creating new releases. With a tenure at Brown – Forman that began in 1976, he assumed the role of Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve in 2004.
Woodford Reserve is known for producing its whiskeys in small batches, each marked with a batch number and bottle number on the label. This practice ensures that each batch of whiskey maintains its unique characteristics and allows enthusiasts to appreciate the subtle differences that can arise from one batch to another.
The Mashing:
In the past, Woodford Reserve used water from a nearby stream for distillation, but now they have a reliable source of clean water from a deep well that supplies them throughout the year. This water is used in the mashing process, where the grains are mixed with it. For their Bourbon, the mash bill consists of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. The enzymes present in the barley play a crucial role in converting starch into sugar during the mashing process. On the other hand, the mash bill for their Rye Whiskey contains a lower percentage of corn and higher percentage of rye, specifically 53%.
The Fermentation:
Like many other distilleries, Woodford Reserve uses its own unique yeast strain. This particular yeast is selected for its ability to promote a slow fermentation process that lasts around 6 days. This extended fermentation period contributes to the development of fruity aromas in the resulting beer. Woodford Reserve’s fermentation process is also influenced by the use of relatively small fermenters, each with a capacity of 7,500 gallons. These smaller vessels allow heat to dissipate quickly, leading to lower mash temperatures that facilitate the slow fermentation.
Woodford Reserve employs a sour mash process, which involves adding remnants from the previous batch’s first distillation into the new mash. This practice, where about 6% of the mash is composed of these residues, helps maintain consistency and flavor continuity between batches.
The Distillation:
Woodford Reserve takes pride in its three copper pot stills, which play a significant role in creating the unique character of their Bourbon. While these stills resemble traditional Scottish pot stills, the distillation process at Woodford Reserve has its own distinctive elements. Unlike in traditional pot stills where only the liquid beer is distilled, at Woodford Reserve, both the liquid and the solids from the mash are added to the beer still. This unique approach contributes to the flavor profile of their Bourbon.
After the distillation process, the still can be opened at the bottom to remove the residues, which are then used for the sour mash in subsequent batches. The second distillation takes place in the high wine still using only the liquid portion, and similarly, the third distillation in the spirit still is focused on the liquid. This triple distillation results in a spirit with a high proof of 158 (79% ABV). The presence of reflux bowls in each of the three stills enhances copper interaction with the spirit, intensifying the exchange of flavors and leading to the development of fruity aromas.
Woodford Reserve’s spirit safe, used to control the flow of the distillate, is a familiar sight to Scotch Whisky enthusiasts. It was crafted by Forsyths of Rothes, a prominent manufacturer of stills and distillery equipment in Scotland.
Warehouses:
Woodford Reserve, being under the ownership of Brown-Forman, benefits from its association with the company’s own cooperage in Louisville. This allows them to have a unique level of control over their barrel production. Notably, the barrels used to mature Woodford Reserve Bourbon are crafted from staves that have been exposed to natural weather conditions for approximately 9 months. This weathering process imparts a pre-matured quality to the wood, resulting in barrels that contribute fewer bitter flavors compared to freshly constructed ones.
A distinctive aspect of Woodford Reserve’s barrel filling process is that the white dog, the unaged distillate, is brought down to 110 proof (55% ABV) before being filled into the barrels. This practice sets Woodford Reserve apart, as most other distilleries perform the dilution before bottling. By introducing the diluted spirit into the barrels, more interaction occurs between the Whiskey and the wood. This intensifies the maturation process and enhances the influence of the wood on the spirit.
Woodford Reserve takes a hands-on approach to their barrel inscriptions, as they are still done by hand. This personal touch adds to the craft and tradition of their production.
The warehouses used by Woodford Reserve are constructed from brick and stone and date back to the late 19th century. These warehouses are designed to facilitate maturation by alternating between heating and cooling cycles. The expansion and contraction of the barrels due to these temperature changes encourage the Whiskey to penetrate the wood, resulting in a more intense interaction between the spirit and the barrel, enhancing the maturation process.
The History:
Elijah Pepper’s venture into distilling in 1812 marked the beginnings of what would later become a legacy. Little could he have foreseen that his Old Pepper Whiskey distillery would endure for more than two centuries. In 1878, Labrot & Graham took ownership of the distillery, a torch later passed to Brown – Forman in 1941. However, the whiskey industry’s fluctuating fortunes took their toll, leading to periods of decline. During a steep downturn in the Bourbon market, the distillery was abandoned and eventually sold off in the 1970s. This resulted in the dismantling of equipment and facilities, almost erasing its existence.
However, as interest in Single Malt and Bourbon Whiskey was rekindled, Brown-Forman saw the opportunity to restore the distillery’s legacy. In 1992, they repurchased the distillery campus, undertaking a comprehensive rebuilding effort. The distillery was resurrected from the ground up, embracing modernity and innovation while paying homage to its storied history.
Visitor Center:
The visitor center is opened every day.
Distillery tours cost $10 per person and are offered on the hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Sunday (March – December): 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Reservation is requested for groups of 18 or more (859) 879.1812.
There are also special tours offered as the “National Landmark Tour” or the “Corn to Cork Tour”.
Prices are $30 per person; reservation requested
Visitor information:
Woodford Reserve Distillery
7855 McCracken Pike
Versailles
Kentucky 40383
Tel: +1(859)879-1812
Information about the Distillery: |
|
| Number of bottles: | 0 Bottles |
| Country, Region: | USA, Kentucky |
| Coordinates: | -84.812500 38.113114 |
| Status: | Active |
| Company: | Brown Forman |
| Official Website: | http://www.woodfordreserve.com/ |