Woodford Reserve Bourbon Review

There are certain bottles that feel like they've always been on the shelf, whether you've paid attention to them or not. Woodford Reserve is one of those.

I can't say I grew up knowing much about the brand. When I first started drinking bourbon, I was firmly in the Jim Beam camp. In our group of friends, there was only one die-hard Jack Daniel's fan, and over time even he graduated to Gentleman Jack. But that's about as "premium" as our shelves ever got. Woodford Reserve simply wasn't part of the conversation.

That changed years later as I started digging deeper into bourbon. Somewhere along the way I discovered what many people consider the star of the Woodford lineup: Double Oaked. It's a bottle I'll eventually cover because it absolutely deserves its own review. Before we get there though, it only makes sense to start with the bourbon that laid the foundation.

Woodford Reserve itself has a story that stretches back more than two centuries. The distillery sits on the site of one of Kentucky's oldest whiskey-making locations, where distillation dates to 1812. Today, the property combines those historic roots with a modern approach under Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, continuing a tradition of producing bourbon in copper pot stills before aging it in new charred oak barrels. While the brand wasn't introduced until the 1990s, it was built to showcase Kentucky bourbon through a more refined lens—one that emphasized balance, complexity, and craftsmanship rather than sheer proof or age.

For many bourbon drinkers, Woodford Reserve is the bottle that opens the door to exploring premium bourbon. For me, it was the bottle that eventually led to Double Oaked. So before we get to the fan favorite, it's only right to go back to where that journey begins.

The Bottle

Distillery: Woodford Reserve

Release: Ongoing Core Release

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 90.4 (45.2% ABV)

Age: No Age Statement (NAS)

Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye & 10% Malted Barley

First Impression: Sweet corn, vanilla, and delicate floral notes.

On the Palate: Toasted nuts give way to cherry pie filling and buttery crumble topping before the rye spice begins to show itself.

The Last Sip: Cinnamon and fresh mint linger alongside a touch of orange zest for a clean, gently spiced finish.

Final Thoughts

Woodford Reserve is a great beginner's bourbon and one every home bar could justify keeping around. At just over 90 proof, you'd expect a simple, easy-drinking pour—and it certainly is—but there's more going on than most flagship bourbons in this price range. The fruit, floral notes, and rye spice give it enough complexity to stay interesting without overwhelming someone who's just getting into bourbon.

If you've been chasing bourbon for a while, chances are you've moved on to higher proofs and limited releases. Even then, I wouldn't overlook this bottle. It's the kind of bourbon that becomes your "home base" pour—the one you can always come back to when you want something balanced, dependable, and easy to enjoy without overthinking it.

🟢 Buy