One of the first bourbons I was told to try on this journey was Woodford Reserve Double Oak. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of this bottle and it led me to stay away from this distillery for way too long. Thankfully, one day I came across a YouTube video highlighting several of the past Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection bottles that intrigued me. A few weeks ago I reviewed the first bottle of Woodford Reserve Batch Proof I found, and today’s review is of another annual series. Today’s bottle is the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Historic Barrel Entry.

From the Woodford Reserve website: In the 1830’s our Woodford County distillery was the setting for a series of discoveries and innovative practices that today define the bourbon industry. For this 2022 Master’s Collection release Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller, Elizabeth McCall have drawn upon that rich history and their own interests for inspiration.

This 2022 Master’s Collection was made with newly-distilled whiskey that went into the barrel at 100 proof. The barrel entry proof of “new make” plays an important role in the maturation process, and the standard for barrel entry proof has changed over the past two centuries.  The result is this Historic Barrel Entry, a rich and darkly robust expression of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

These master’s collection bottles are often quite hard to find in NoCo and when found are more often than not overpriced. Fortunately, this bottle was priced at MSRP and I could not pass on it. Overall, this was a great poor, and as a low-proof whiskey, it makes for a great nightcap after a long day. Packed full of super sweet notes, with one of my favorite notes to date (Super Sweet Red JujyFruiy Chewy Candy), I would recommend everyone at least nice this once at a bar, or if you have the chance purchasing this bottle is a must. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Brown Sugar, Creme Brule, Raisins, Figs, and Oak
• Palate: Super Sweet Red JujyFruiy Chewy Candy with Notes of Brown Sugar, Raisins, Baking Spice, and Oak
• Finish: Minimal to Medium Finishing in Dry Oak, Baking Spice, and Raisins with a bit of Lingering Palate Heat
• 2023 MSRP: $129
• 2023 National Average: $179
• Proof: 90.4
• My Rating: Drink It!/Save It! (A great poor, but I am definitely more of a batch-proof fan)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman