Sips & Sites & Bites

The world of bourbon aficionados often revolves around tradition, craftsmanship, and rarity. When a name like Woodford Reserve, synonymous with high-end, small-batch bourbon, unveils something as bold as the Woodford Reserve Batch Proof, you know it’s more than just another release. It’s a celebration of mastery, a nod to tradition, and a show of innovation that pushes the limits of flavor.

Each year, Woodford Reserve drops a limited-edition high-proof expression, and their latest offering, the Batch Proof, hits the market at an eye-watering 119.5 proof. This is no ordinary pour. For those accustomed to the brand’s standard 90.4 proof, Batch Proof is a wild ride … untamed, robust, and packed with flavor.

Under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve continues to push the envelope in bourbon-making. McCall, a name now synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship in the world of whiskey, brings her commitment to detail front and center with this release.

“Batch Proof allows consumers to taste Woodford Reserve exactly as it comes out of the barrels, with all of its complex flavors intact,” McCall says, explaining that this bourbon is uncut and unfiltered, an honest expression of what’s going on in the barrels.

Batch Proof is the result of meticulous blending, involving more than a hundred different barrels from various dates of production, spanning different warehouses and floors within those warehouses. This unique approach, combined with the high proof, gives the bourbon its singular character, highlighting the diverse flavors that come from Woodford’s signature craftsmanship.

If you’re wondering how this potent liquid translates to your glass, the tasting notes are as intriguing as the process behind it. The nose greets you with peanut butter toffee cookies and a medley of dried fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon spice … a warm, inviting aroma that hints at the depth of flavors yet to be experienced.

On the palate, expect creamy sorghum butter, balanced with a kick of clove and nutmeg. It’s smooth yet assertive, with the higher proof adding a level of intensity that doesn’t overpower but instead enhances the complexity of the flavors. The finish? Long, dry, and laden with a berry medley chutney that lingers, leaving you with an impression that’s both rich and rewarding.

Like all of Woodford Reserve’s limited-edition releases, this Batch Proof won’t last long. With a suggested retail price of $149.99, it’s positioned for those who are serious about their bourbon but still accessible for anyone wanting to dive into the deep end of what Woodford Reserve offers.

It’s available in select U.S. and global markets and you can even snag a bottle for shipping in the states where it’s available (Kentucky, North Dakota, Nebraska, Washington D.C., and a few others).