Woodford Reserve Distillery

Located in Versailles, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Distillery was established in 1812. Now a National Historic Landmark, this distillery is in the heart of bourbon country and has a time-honored history of making some of the finest small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies.

Since its creation, Woodford Reserve Distillery has prided itself on using a unique blend of grains with a high corn content to create a smooth, sweet, well-balanced bourbon that is pleasing to even the most discerning bourbon drinkers.

The bourbon-making process is currently overseen by Master Distillers Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall, who have decades of experience in making high-end craft bourbon. 

The company is also known for its commitment to sustainability and the environment. The company recycles some 98% of waste materials, and 97% of food scraps are composted right on the property. The property also includes 10 acres of land that is set aside for restorative native grass growing.

Offerings

Woodford Reserve offers a wide range of bourbons. Their offerings include:

• Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Double Oaked
• Malt Whiskey
• Rye Whiskey
• Wheat Whiskey 
• Baccarat Edition
• Master’s Collection
• Distillery Series

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This is Woodford Reserve’s signature bourbon that is well-balanced with fruity and floral notes with the bold spice most of us have come to expect from a good bourbon.

Double Oaked

This is a twice-barreled bourbon with a rich, dark color and a soft, woody flavor that is smooth and delicate. The whiskey is first matured in a charred oak barrel, then transferred to a highly toasted oak barrel that helps impart the range of subtle flavors found in this whiskey.

Malt Whiskey

This malt whiskey is made from 51% malt and aged in freshly charred oak barrels. This 90.4 proof whiskey has unique malty favors with richly nutty notes and a very mellow and smooth finish.

Rye Whiskey

For those who prefer a spicier or bolder whiskey, Woodford Reserve’s rye whiskey fits the bill with 53% rye. This leads to a spicy, bold, yet smooth whiskey that is well-balanced and is excellent straight or as the base of a cocktail.

Wheat Whiskey

In this recipe, a 52% wheat content is used in the mash bill. This leads to a sweeter, smoother, and more delicate whiskey that is excellent for sipping, on the rocks, or with a splash of water.

Baccarat Edition

This limited edition bourbon is finished in XO Cognac Barrels. Each selected barrel has been used for three seasons to make cognac before used to make this spirit. The wood provides a sweet, crisp, fruity bourbon with a delicate and smooth finish.

Master’s Collection

This is a limited edition, small-batch bourbon that is incredibly long-aged. The bourbon has been aging for some 17-years, and each barrel is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality.

Distillery Series

This series of bourbons features unique, one-of-a-kind, limited edition bourbon creations and are only available in Kentucky. A new edition is released each year, and a limited number of bottles is produced.

Tour Information

The distillery has a well-stocked gift shop where merchandise and spirits can be purchased most days of the week. Additionally, they also offer hour-long tours seven days a week. The tour costs $20 per person, and it is best to reserve tickets ahead of time so you can ensure your spot.

The tour delves into the bourbon-making process, discussing the importance of the grains chosen in the spirits’ flavor. Guests will also learn about bourbon and bourbon-making history while touring the barrelhouse where the whiskey is aged to perfection.

After the in-depth tour, guests are treated to a tasting of Woodford Reserve Spirits.