Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 124.7 Proof at 62.35% ABV — the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Palate
Despite the intensity of the proof, the flavors play very clearly on the tongue. There is a forward note of fruit and caramel, like cherry cola. I dont have long to let it open up before the burn takes over, but I can find undertones of cinnamon bark and a woody body. As the alcohol fades into the finish, Im left with a clear, lingering taste of cherry and sandalwood. A good high proof whiskey is a challenge. You get some of the clearest flavors you can find in whiskey, but you only have so long to enjoy them before the proof overwhelms you. This expression is no exception, but I find the mix of fruity and savory flavors to be clear and well curated. For some drinks, I have to dig out the flavor notes across multiple sips. In this one, whiskey the flavors of cherry cola jumped out at me from the first sip, clear as day.rnrnI dont think it quite has the complexity of some expressions, but the clarity of its tastes is at least an equal virtue. This is a slow, deliberate sipper with plenty to enjoy. If bottling at barrel strength was a sign of confidence, this definitely justifies that confidence.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 124.7 Proof delivers the goods. It is well-made, genuinely enjoyable, and represents solid value for what you are getting. I would happily buy this again.
