Sips & Sites & Bites

If you’ve been following American whiskey trends lately, you’ve probably noticed “American Single Malt” popping up on more labels. Well, now one of Kentucky’s best-known bourbon houses has stepped into that lane … and they didn’t exactly tiptoe in. Woodford Reserve has released its first-ever American Single Malt, and it’s a 12-year-old, triple pot–distilled beauty.

Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall went all-in on the malt, using 100% malted barley … no corn, no rye, no wheat to share the stage. The whiskey spent a dozen years resting in used whiskey barrels, a deliberate move that allowed the grain’s softer side to shine. McCall describes the result as a whiskey that proves “how essential long aging in used barrels is for unlocking its full flavor potential.”

The lighter color (burnt orange rather than the deep amber of many bourbons) hints at the approach. This isn’t a heavy-handed oak bomb; instead, it layers sweet nutty malt, soft caramel, warm spice, and just enough citrus to keep things lively. If you’re curious about the sensory ride:

• Aroma: Caramel, sun tea, pear, plus a whisper of lemon, ginger, and cardamom.
• Flavor: Starts sweet and nutty with caramel, shifts into spiced sun tea, and finishes with a little lemon brightness.
• Finish: Long and lingering … think sun tea and lemon oil that hangs around after the glass is empty.

As part of Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series, this release fits right in with their ethos of pushing creative boundaries. The small-batch lineup has been a playground for the brand to explore cask finishes, mash bill variations, and now … the American Single Malt category.

It’s bottled at 90.4 proof and comes in a 375 ml size, priced at $99.99. Distribution is limited to select Kentucky retailers, the distillery gift shop, and a few lucky states via online shipping (Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington, D.C.).

American Single Malt has been carving out its own identity apart from bourbon and Scotch, and with this release, Woodford Reserve plants a firmly malted flag in the category. Whether you’re already a fan or just curious, this one looks to be a thoughtful, patient debut … 12 years in the making.