Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon
Price History
Overview
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon stands as Brown-Forman's flagship straight bourbon, blending distillate from two Kentucky sites to deliver a consistent classic flavor profile year after year. Launched in 1996 as a premium everyday staple, it emphasizes reliability and value amid shifting market prices.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Straight Bourbon |
| ABV | 45.2% |
| Mashbill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Release Info | Ongoing since 1996; distilled at Woodford Reserve Distillery (Woodford County) and Brown-Forman Distillery (Shively, KY) |
| Age | NAS (at least 4 years per TTB rules) |
Good to know
Crafted at the historic Labrot & Graham Distillery—operational since 1780, abandoned until Brown-Forman's 1993 repurchase—this bourbon mixes pot still and column still spirits for balanced consistency. It holds the distinction as the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Expert reviews highlight its role as a no-frills staple offering strong value at rising price points.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Dark yellow gold hue leads to classic bourbon aromas of caramel, vanilla, and subtle rye spice, with orchard fruit undertones.
- Palate: Bold caramel and dried fruit dominate, balanced by rye-driven pepper and oak tannin; mouthfeel shows minor intensity flaws but reliable structure.
- Finish: Medium-length with lingering oak char and gentle spice, fading to a clean, approachable close.
Notable details
- Production: Mixture of pot and column still distillate (undisclosed ratio, leaning toward higher column volume); 90.4 proof.
- Lineage: Bottled at restored Labrot & Graham site; produced by Brown-Forman since 1996 launch.
- Availability: Widely released with consistent batches (e.g., reviewed batch 0208); MSRP around $40/750mL.
"Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon delivers a consistent classic bourbon flavor profile year after year." – Breaking Bourbon
A reliable cornerstone for bourbon enthusiasts seeking balanced, everyday quality without pretense.
Sources
[1] Breakingbourbon – "Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon"
[2] Breakingbourbon – "Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon (2017) Review | Breaking Bourbon"
[3] Thewhiskeywash – "Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"
[4] Thewhiskeywash – "Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes & Analysis"
[5] Bourbonpaddy – "Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon Review"