Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Sweet Oak Bourbon

Produced at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, this release is part of the annual Master’s Collection—an experimental series exploring innovative approaches to grain, maturation, and whiskey-making. The Sweet Oak Bourbon marks the 21st release in the series and focuses specifically on the impact of Chinkapin oak, a less commonly used member of the American white oak family known for its unique grain structure and elevated natural sweetness. Crafted from Woodford Reserve’s traditional mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, the bourbon is aged entirely in new Chinkapin oak barrels to highlight the wood’s softer tannins and distinctive flavour contribution. The result is a full-bodied, oak-forward bourbon that showcases Woodford’s ongoing exploration of how different oak species influence whiskey character.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Mulled cherries and raisins with clove and nutmeg, layered with sweet leather and toasted oak.

Palate: Warm baking spices with notes of sassafras, roasted walnuts, honeyed sweetness, and black tea.

Finish: Long and lingering with oak, black tea, and dried dark fruit.