Woodford Reserve has unveiled an experimental Bourbon aged in barrels made from staves exposed to the elements for five to seven years in an attempt to emphasize the impact of staves subjected to extended seasoning.
Unlike conventional Bourbon production, which uses white oak air-dried for several months to a year, this release employs specialized staves seasoned outdoors for up to seven years to maximize wood interaction.
The distillery has said that the barrel staves are said to enhance the Bourbon’s depth of flavour by reducing ‘harsh green tannins, opening up the wood grain, and coaxing out deeply concentrated sugars’.
Notes provided include aromas of caramel, vanilla, almond, cherry, and cinnamon-dusted dried red apples with a palate that features orange oil, cinnamon, and clove.
The new expression debuts as the 22nd expression in the master-led collection, extending a legacy of ambitious wood curation that recently showcased Madeira cask aging in 2024 and Pinot Noir finishing in 2023.
Bottled at 50.2% ABV, the Woodford Reserve’s 2026 Master’s Collection Super Seasoned Oak is now available in limited quantities at select retailers in Kentucky and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, with an MSRP of US$179.99 for a 700ml bottle.
Kanpai!
88 Bamboo Editorial Team
