Woodford Reserve

Here in Canada, this bourbon is called "Distiller's Select" but I believe it's the same whiskey that's sold under the Woodford Reserve name in the U.S.A. This whiskey was only really sipped "attentively" 3 or 4 times. It was my "well bourbon" for company over the last few months. And in that regard, it's quite successful. This is an ideal bourbon to introduce your non-whiskey drinking friends to neat sipping whiskey. It's bottled at a low enough proof that it isn't going to knock anyone's socks off. And it's readily available, so even the most "traditional" whiskey drinker can't get too upset if someone adds ice or, heaven forbid, coke or ginger ale to it.

I believe the mash bill is 72/18/10 (Corn/Rye/Malted Barley)

Tasting Notes

• Nose (undiluted): cherries, vanilla, icing sugar, oranges, maple, pecans, a bit of rye spice
• Palate (undiluted): gentle arrival, medium-bodied, sour cherry candies, brown sugar, orange peels
• Finish: medium length, slight oakiness, clove, a touch of honey, some lingering barrel char

Water doesn't change much. The orange notes become a bit more prominent and the whiskey becomes a bit thinner, no surprises there. Overall, this is a solid bourbon. It's not mind-blowing, but there are no flaws either. No sharp ethanol aromas, no "off" bitterness on the palate or finish, not too sweet. It's a bit of an odd one to score, but I suppose I'll do my best.

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