VERSAILLES, Ky. — Woodford Reserve Five Wood began as a Bourbon aged in standard oak barrels. The liquid was then finished in four other barrels – oloroso Sherry, Amontillado Sherry, Ruby Port, and tawny Port.
“This is the first time in Woodford Reserve’s history that we’ve blended whiskeys that have been finished in five different barrels,” said master distiller Chris Morris. “The result is a rich taste and a bright finish.”
On the nose, the whiskey brings “rich blackberry, dark cherry, dates, raisin, prune and red fruit reduction notes sweetened with Demerara sugar and caramel-coated walnuts”. The palate offers “rich dark chocolate and espresso coffee caramel icing coated with a raspberry and cherry reduction”.
The new whiskey is part of Woodford Reserve’s experimental Distillery Series, which highlights the brand’s “commitment to innovation and premium craftsmanship”. The brand releases three expressions annually as part of the range.
Five Wood will be available to buy from Friday (26 June) between 12 pm and 4 pm from the Woodford Reserve Distillery. It has an RRP of US$49.99 per 375ml and will also be available to buy from select retailers in Kentucky.
Birthday Bourbon
On 2 September, Old Forester will release the 20th iteration of its limited-edition Birthday Bourbon in celebration of founder George Garvin Brown’s birthday. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Brown-Forman.
“Being part of the Birthday Bourbon selection process is one of my favorite parts of my job because of the legacy and tradition this expression represents,” said Jackie Zykan, Old Forester master taster. “We’re really proud of what we’ve produced this year and think it’s a great way to celebrate George’s birthday and Old Forester’s historic anniversary.”
The 2020 Birthday Bourbon will be bottled at 44% ABV and will be made up of 95 barrels, each aged for 10 years after being filled on 5 June 2010.
The new expression is the third Birthday Bourbon to be bottled at the Old Forester Distilling Co in Louisville, Kentucky.
Campbell Brown, Old Forester president, said: “Its annual release has become something that Bourbon lovers anticipate, and we really believe that the 2020 version is one of our best yet.”
The nose of the whiskey has notes of white flora, magnolia, and citrus, spiced with vanilla, buttery leather, and cocoa powder. The palate offers caramel and brittle toffee and a tropical character that blooms into a banana, mango, coconut flakes, and macadamia nut.
The 2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is priced at US$129.99 and available in “extremely limited quantities”.
Add Comment