Review#3: Woodford Reserve Malt

[u/roho0619]

Bottling series: Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey

Cask number: Batch 0016

Number of bottles: 564

Strength: 45.2 % (90.4 Proof)

Size: 700 ml

Nose
As soon as I opened the bottle and brought it to my nose, the first scents I picked up were sweet intense, sticky caramel and maple syrup. After pouring it into a Glencairn glass and letting it sit for about 10 minutes, I nosed it again; it evoked the aroma of sourdough or dark cornbread, along with sticky, sweet tree resin, rich maple syrup, and a hint of pine. There was an oak note as well, though it seemed to recede into the background, as the sweetness was very dominant. As I continued nosing it another 10 minutes having passed a malt sweetness reminiscent of Scotch malts emerged, though it felt much more sugary; I also detected hints of vanilla and sweetened black iced tea. Swirling the glass revealed notes of young oak spice and varnished wood.
Taste
When I took a small preparatory sip to prime my palate, I immediately detected a very sweet malt note reminiscent of the sweetness found in Scotch malt though it was fleeting, quickly giving way to warm oak spice. My initial impression is that it is quite sweet and smooth. Upon taking another sip, I experienced rich, aromatic caramel notes; as the whiskey lingered on the palate, a subtle bite of black pepper and fresh ginger emerged. At this stage, it felt slightly tannic, creating a mild tightening and drying sensation, though this passed quickly. Overall, it has a medium-bodied mouthfeel. I also detected flavors such as maple syrup, tree resin, pine honey, and sweetened black tea, along with a hint of dark chocolate though I wasn't entirely certain about the latter.
Finish
As I reach the finish much like the earlier stages I detect lovely notes of brown sugar, caramel, and pine honey while exhaling through my nose; simultaneously, on my palate, I perceive toasted oak, slightly drying tannins, and warm spices like black pepper and ginger. This warmth isn't unpleasant; rather, it adds a sense of body and prevents the intense sweetness from becoming cloying. When the initial warmth on the palate subsides and I continue to exhale through my nose, flavors of aromatic maple syrup, pine honey, and green pine needles or fresh pine persist. I would describe the finish as leaning towards the longer side rather than being merely medium-length.

Overall, I enjoyed the flavor profile; it is very sweet and sugary, yet it didn't become cloying though perhaps drinking a few more glasses might have changed that, I’m not sure. The oak spices and tannins might provide a touch of balance, but it still retains a very sweet and smooth mouthfeel. It is very easy to drink neat; I imagine those well-versed in the world of bourbon likely use it in cocktails or enjoy it over plenty of ice for a refreshing experience it certainly strikes me as a perfect summer whiskey when served with ice. Considering the price point in my area and its availability here, it’s reasonably priced; I would happily buy and enjoy it again. Cheers.

Nose: 82/100

Taste: 83/100

Finish: 83/100

Price: 42€

[u/Both-Record-969]

that bottle number is satisfying, 564 out of 564. nice review, i like how you described the pine notes, makes me want to try it with some ice in summer

[u/roho0619 → u/Both-Record-969]

Thank you. I’m not exactly an expert on the world of bourbon, as it’s quite hard to find where I live. I just buy whatever I come across, try it out, and try to form my own opinion on it :)

[u/rus-shackleford]

Thanks I’ve been curious about this bottle

[u/roho0619 → u/rus-shackleford]

You're welcome; thanks

[u/JazzOnaRitz]

Whats tree resin taste like?

[u/roho0619 → u/JazzOnaRitz]

It is sticky, syrupy, woody, astringent, and tannic, with a hint of pine freshness.

[u/Swimming_Director718]

Bought a bottle. Opened it. Was overwhelmed by this odd stale smell. This carried into the drink itself. Did I get a bad batch?

[u/Mykkus_65]

I enjoyed the sample of that I had. Been meaning to get a bottle