First Impressions
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt — one of the first major Kentucky straight malt whiskeys. Mashbill: 51% malted barley, 47% corn, 2% rye. Aged in new charred oak barrels, Kentucky bourbon-style rather than Scotch-style used casks.
A New Category
This helped establish Kentucky straight malt as a category — American single malt made the bourbon way. From the same historic Versailles distillery. The new charred oak adds bold flavour that distinguishes this from Scotch-style malt whisky. 45.2% ABV. Part of the permanent Distiller's Select range.
Tasting
Nutty nose with caramel and chocolate. Sweet cornbread palate mingling with oak and baking chocolate, with peppery heat. The finish delivers malt ball creaminess with a lingering cocoa coating. Bold and Kentucky-forward.
The Verdict
Woodford Reserve Malt earns a 7 — an accessible bridge for bourbon drinkers into American malt whiskey. At £38, good value. The new charred oak character will divide opinion — Scotch purists may find it too oaky, bourbon fans may love the bold malt. A new category, still finding its identity.
