Woodford Reserve Master Selection Sweet Oak Finish

Discover the bold character of Woodford Reserve Master’s Selection Sweet Oak Finish, the 21st release in the brand’s celebrated Master’s Collection series, expertly aged in rare Chinkapin oak barrels to unveil nuanced layers of flavor. Bottled at a robust 110.4 proof, this limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon pours deep mahogany and offers an enticing aroma of mulled cherries, raisins, clove, nutmeg, and toasted oak. On the palate, experience a harmonious blend of sweet oak, cinnamon roll spice, roasted walnuts, honeyed notes, and black tea, finishing with warming oak and lingering dried dark fruit. Designed for discerning collectors and enthusiasts, each bottle is a tribute to Woodford Reserve’s innovative dedication to wood influence and craftsmanship—available in select locations at $179.99 for 700ml. Elevate your whiskey collection with this exclusive release where tradition meets the unexpected.

Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sweet Oak Finish – Product Description

Process & Profile

Experience the latest evolution in bourbon with the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sweet Oak Finish, the 21st release in Woodford Reserve’s acclaimed experimental series. Crafted as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, this limited edition is aged in *rare Chinkapin oak barrels*—a distinctive species sometimes called “sweet oak,” prized for its open grain and softer tannins compared to traditional American white oak. Bottled at a robust 110.4 proof (55.2% ABV), this expression delivers a bold and full-bodied profile while maintaining Woodford’s legendary sweetness and approachability. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall describes this edition as exploring the “nuanced layers of flavor that whiskey collectors and connoisseurs will appreciate,” further cementing Woodford’s commitment to oak innovation and the art of maturation.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep mahogany—nearly black in the glass, a testament to the intense wood interaction afforded by Chinkapin oak’s open grain structure.

• Nose: Opens with *mulled cherries and raisins*, layered with pronounced *clove, nutmeg,* and toasty oak. Subtle undertones of *sweet leather* and *cedar* provide inviting depth, complemented by earthy and herbal notes, hints of walnut, rich vanilla, and caramel.

• Palate: Begins with a *honeyed, sweet oak* impression, evolving into *astringent, drying oak*, with notes of *black tea, roasted walnut*, and *sassafras* emerging mid-palate. Creamy vanilla and caramel frosting are evident, balanced by a touch of gentle bitterness and an earthy, nutty backbone.

• Finish: Medium to long, featuring lingering *oak spice, dried dark fruit,* and underlying tannins. The finish closes with a pleasant dryness, layered with hints of *tea* and *cocoa*.

What Makes It Special

• Chinkapin Oak Maturation: Unlike standard bourbon matured in American white oak, Sweet Oak Finish is crafted with *new Chinkapin oak barrels*. This unique maturation imparts a richer, sweeter, and more complex flavor experience.

• Limited Release: As the 21st entry in Woodford Reserve’s Master’s Collection, this bourbon is highly sought after, available only in select markets and at the distillery, making it a collector’s item as well as a connoisseur’s delight.

• Oak Innovation Legacy: This release continues Woodford’s innovative approach that has defined the Master’s Collection—prioritizing small but significant changes in barrel selection to craft entirely new flavor profiles.

• Visually Striking: The liquid’s nearly opaque, mahogany color visually reflects its deep wood extraction—a distinctive hallmark of Chinkapin oak aging.

How to Enjoy

• Neat: To experience the full depth and layered complexity, savor it neat in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromatics and highlight the interplay of sweet and spice notes.

• With a Drop of Water: Adding a few drops of water helps open up the bourbon, softening the tannic dryness and revealing additional earthy, herbal, and cocoa notes.

• In a Whiskey Tasting Lineup: Compare with other Master’s Collection entries or classic Woodford Reserve to appreciate the dramatic impact of the Chinkapin oak finish.

• Collectible Pour: Given its limited availability and unique maturation, it makes an excellent addition to any bourbon collector’s library or as a memorable gift for whiskey aficionados.

Unlock a new dimension in American whiskey with Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Sweet Oak Finish—a singular bourbon defined by rarity, craftsmanship, and innovation at the heart of every sip.

Frequently Asked Questions