Woodford Reserve Just Released a New Bourbon Created by Accident

Posted on by Scott Dilley

The newest release in Woodford’s Distillery Series, Toasted Bourbon, unintentionally used heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels.

Fast Facts about Woodford Toasted Bourbon:

  • Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mashbill: 72% corn, 18% Rye, and 10% malted barley
  • Cooperage: Heavy toast, lightly charred barrels
  • Proof: 90.4 (45.2% ABV)
  • Age: 6 Years
  • Tasting Notes:
    • Color:​ ​Golden honey
    • Aroma:​ Sweet toasted oak, cinnamon graham cracker with dark cherry, cooked banana, and a dusting of nutmeg
    • Flavor: ​Cinnamon brown sugar, raw honey, baking spice, and toasted oak
    • Finish: ​Warm baking spice and citrus
  • Price: $64.99 for a 375ml bottle
  • Availability: Available starting May 21, 2024 at Woodford Reserve Distillery. Coming soon to select Kentucky retailers.

Some of my favorite innovations have been a result of a happenstance. In 2017, 18 Double Oaked Barrels were accidentally delivered to the distillery and inadvertently filled with our new-make bourbon distillate. We stenciled “Toasted Oak” on these barrels and placed them in our historic Warehouse C to closely monitor their flavor development. I was excited to see how the Double Oaked barrels—which are heavily toasted and lightly charred—would influence our bourbon distillate. After more than six years of patiently waiting and tasting, these barrels are finally ready to be enjoyed in our latest Distillery Series release—Toasted Bourbon.

Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller

Full Details on the Release:

MAY 21, 2024 (VERSAILLES, KY) — Today, Woodford Reserve releases a new limited edition bottle as part of its annual Distillery Series – Toasted Bourbon. 

The bourbon was created by happenstance. In 2017, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked barrels were accidentally delivered to the distillery and filled with new-make bourbon distillate. 

Unlike standard bourbon barrels, which are lightly toasted and heavily charred, the Double Oaked barrels are heavily toasted and lightly charred. After 18 barrels were filled, the distillery team noticed they had the wrong barrel. But Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall had an idea – keep the barrels and see how the whiskey matured.

They were moved to historic Warehouse C where the flavor development was closely monitored for more than six years. This was a great opportunity to learn how Woodford Reserve’s bourbon distillate matures in a heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel. 

Toasted Bourbon resulted in a delicious whiskey that blends the flavor profile of both Woodford Reserve’s Bourbon and Double Oaked. After more than six years of patiently waiting, we’re thrilled to share this one-of-a-kind bourbon with our fans.

Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller

This limited-edition bourbon has a suggested retail price of $64.99 for a 375ml bottle and is available at Woodford Reserve Distillery starting on May 21 at 9 a.m. It is also coming soon to select Kentucky retailers.

To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit WoodfordReserve.com or check out their Facebook at facebook.com/woodfordreserve.

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