Woodford Reserve is a small-batch Kentucky bourbon made in Woodford County

Woodford Reserve is a bourbon whiskey produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, in Woodford County. The distillery sits on the site of a former bourbon operation called Labrot & Graham, which operated from 1812 until Prohibition shut it down in 1920. Brown-Forman, the spirits company that owns Jack Daniel's and other brands, rebuilt and reopened the distillery in 1996 as Woodford Reserve.

The bourbon itself is bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% alcohol by volume) and sold as a small-batch product, meaning each batch is smaller than the large-scale bourbons you see in most liquor stores. The distillery produces roughly 10,000 barrels per year, which is small compared to major bourbon makers. Woodford Reserve is one of the few bourbons still made using a three-column still, a copper pot still, and a doubler — equipment that most distilleries replaced decades ago.

Key Takeaways

  • Woodford Reserve is made at a distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky, on land that housed a bourbon operation dating back to 1812.
  • The bourbon is bottled at 90.4 proof and labeled as small-batch, meaning each batch is limited in size compared to mass-produced bourbons.
  • The distillery uses three separate stills — a three-column still, a copper pot still, and a doubler — rather than the single-still setup most modern distilleries use.
  • The mash bill (grain recipe) contains corn, rye, and malted barley, and the bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of six years.

The grain recipe and mash bill

Woodford Reserve uses a mash bill — the recipe of grains — that contains corn, rye, and malted barley. The exact percentages are not published by the distillery, but the inclusion of malted barley is uncommon in bourbon production. Most Kentucky bourbons use only corn, rye, and unmalted barley. The malted barley adds enzymes that help convert starches to sugar during the mashing process, which can affect the flavor profile.

The corn is the primary grain and provides the base sweetness. The rye adds spice and complexity. The malted barley contributes a subtle grain character. This combination is one reason Woodford Reserve tastes different from bourbons made with more standard grain recipes.

How the three-still system works

Most modern bourbon distilleries use a single large still or a column still to distill their spirit. Woodford Reserve operates three separate stills: a three-column still, a copper pot still, and a doubler. Each still produces spirit with a different character, and the distillery blends the output from all three to create the final product.

The three-column still is the workhorse and produces the bulk of the spirit. The copper pot still is smaller and produces a heavier, more flavorful spirit with more congeners (compounds that affect taste and aroma). The doubler is a type of pot still that further refines the spirit. By blending the output from all three, the distillery can create a more complex bourbon than would be possible with a single still.

This approach is labor-intensive and requires more equipment and informed than a single-still operation. It is one reason Woodford Reserve costs more than mass-produced bourbons and why the distillery produces fewer barrels per year.

Aging in new charred oak barrels

Woodford Reserve is aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of six years. The barrels are made from American white oak and are charred on the inside before the spirit is poured in. The char creates a layer of caramelized wood that the bourbon absorbs as it ages, contributing color, sweetness, and vanilla notes.

Six years is longer than the legal minimum for bourbon, which is two years. The longer aging period allows more wood compounds to dissolve into the spirit and allows the alcohol to mellow. The barrels are stored in a warehouse on the distillery grounds, where temperature and humidity fluctuate with the seasons. These fluctuations cause the spirit to expand and contract, pushing it in and out of the wood and accelerating the aging process.

Proof and bottling

Woodford Reserve is bottled at 90.4 proof, which is higher than many mainstream bourbons but lower than some craft and small-batch releases. The higher proof means more alcohol by volume and a stronger burn on the palate, but also more flavor intensity. Before bottling, the distillery dilutes the aged spirit with water to reach the target proof.

The bourbon is bottled in glass bottles with a cork stopper and a wax seal. Each bottle is labeled with the batch number and the bottling date. The label also states "small batch," which indicates that the bourbon in that bottle came from a limited number of barrels blended together, rather than from a large pool of barrels.

Where Woodford Reserve is sold

Woodford Reserve is distributed nationally and is available in most liquor stores in the United States. It is also sold in bars and restaurants. The price varies by location and retailer, but it typically costs more than mass-produced bourbons like Jim Beam or Maker's Mark and less than ultra-premium or limited-edition releases.

The distillery itself is open to the public for tours. Visitors can see the three stills, the barrel warehouse, and the bottling line. The tour includes a tasting of Woodford Reserve and other Brown-Forman products. Tours are offered daily, and reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

Woodford Reserve expressions and variations

The standard Woodford Reserve expression is the one described above. The distillery also produces several other versions under the Woodford Reserve name, including a rye whiskey (made with a higher percentage of rye grain), a double oaked version (aged in two separate barrels), and seasonal or limited-edition releases.

These variations use the same distillery and the same three-still system, but differ in grain recipe, aging time, or cask type. They are typically more expensive than the standard expression and are sold in smaller quantities. Some are available year-round, while others are released only during certain seasons or in limited runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Woodford Reserve considered a premium bourbon?

Woodford Reserve is positioned as a premium or upper-mid-range bourbon. It costs more than mass-market brands but less than ultra-premium or collector's editions. The small-batch production, three-still system, and six-year minimum aging contribute to the higher price.

What does "small batch" mean on the label?

Small batch means the bourbon in that bottle was blended from a limited number of barrels — typically between 4 and 20 — rather than from hundreds or thousands of barrels. This allows the distillery to control flavor consistency while maintaining some variation between batches.

Can I visit the Woodford Reserve Distillery?

Yes, the distillery offers public tours daily. Tours include a walk through the production facility, the barrel warehouse, and the bottling line, plus a tasting. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy seasons. Check the distillery's website for current tour times and pricing.

How does Woodford Reserve taste compared to other bourbons?

Woodford Reserve is known for a smooth, complex flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The malted barley in the mash bill and the three-still system contribute to a flavor profile that many drinkers describe as more refined or sophisticated than mass-produced bourbons, though taste is subjective.

What is the difference between Woodford Reserve and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?

Double Oaked is aged in two separate barrels instead of one, which increases the contact between the spirit and the wood. This results in a deeper color, stronger oak flavor, and higher proof. It is more expensive and is produced in smaller quantities than the standard expression.