Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Seasoned Oak

Product of: United States

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Seasoned Oak is so-called due to the weathering of the oak staves used to make the casks that the whiskey is matured in. The staves used where left exposed to the elements for 20 seasons (five years), a period far exceeding Woodford Reserve's normal three season, nine-month seasoning.

The whiskey used was fully matured Woodford Reserve 100 pot still bourbon, hydrated to 55% alcohol by volume and re-barreled it in the new seasoned oak barrels for a further eight months.

The fourth offering in the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection of limited-release bottlings (released U.S. on 1st November 2009 and UK in April 2010). This 'Seasoned Oak Finish' continues the series of one-off whiskies which celebrate the company's distilling legacy and the skill and imagination of Woodford Reserve master distiller Chris Morris.

Review and Tasting

Sampled before 1st May 2011

Appearance:

(Batch No.5, bottle No. 1539 of 2188 bottles) Clear, chestnut brown appearance.

Aroma:

Pungent nose of linseed/sesame oil, burnt nutty Christmas cake, corn, apricot skin, pipe tobacco, clove, anise and cedar wood.

Taste:

(diluted back to approx 40%) A huge, dry, salty yet honeyed palate with slightly burnt sultanas, smoked corn on-the-cob, spiced toffee apple, cloves and spicy sweetened wood.

Aftertaste:

Finishes with more dried fruit, cloves and smoky corn.