Sips & Sites & Bites

Woodford Reserve is turning heads this fall with something bold, spicy, and brand new: its very first Barrel Strength Rye. Just released, this limited-edition whiskey takes the distillery’s rye game to another level … literally.

Instead of bottling at Woodford’s familiar 90.4 proof, this one is drawn straight from the collective batch of barrels, landing at a punchy 125.1 proof. That extra strength means all the character and flavor you’d expect from a classic rye come through with more intensity.

Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall explains it best: “Barrel Strength Rye honors the legacy of America’s original rye whiskeys, where spice and tobacco take the lead, layered with notes of fruit, floral, and subtle sweetness. But rather than presenting the standard 90.4 proof for which Woodford is known, this high-proof expression brings more pronounced spice notes.”

The mash bill will sound familiar to fans of Woodford’s standard rye … 53% rye grain in a pre-prohibition style recipe. But in this new release, the higher proof lets its flavor stand tall and unfiltered.

So, what can you expect when you pour a glass? Here’s a quick rundown of the tasting notes:

• Color: A rich orange marmalade hue that practically glows in the glass.
• Aroma: Pepper, clove, and nutmeg hit first, followed by toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of orange oil.
• Taste: Juicy orange and bold baking spices take center stage, with subtle threads of leather and tobacco weaving through.
• Finish: Long, citrusy, and a touch dry … like unsweetened tea that lingers.

Priced at $129.99 for a 700ml bottle, Barrel Strength Rye is available nationwide and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. For those who prefer ordering online, limited shipping is also available to KY, NH, ND, NE, and Washington, D.C.

For rye lovers, this release feels like a milestone. Woodford has always done refinement well, but Barrel Strength Rye leans into power and intensity without losing the elegance that defines the brand. It’s a sip that manages to be both a nod to history and a step forward … great for fall evenings when you want a whiskey that stands up and makes itself known.

Whether you’re a longtime rye drinker or just rye-curious, this one’s worth tracking down while it’s around.

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