These Manic Monday Reviews will be short and sweet. There will be basic background information, a bottle review, and will be posted irregularly; unlike the weekly Friday reviews. These reviews will focus on older or past releases, single barrel releases, bottles that were lost or forgotten on my shelf, or whenever I just want to focus on the bourbon, not the write-up. With that said, today’s review is of Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Madeira Cask Finish.

Bottle Information

From the Woodford Reserve press release: “Madeira Cask Finish is a tremendous way to celebrate 20 years of the Master’s Collection,” said Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “In 2007, Woodford Reserve was among the first bourbons to finish in wine casks. It was quite controversial at the time, but is now a common practice by other distillers. This 20th expression marks that historic milestone, with a new Madeira wine cask.”

• Distiller: Produced by The Woodford Reserve Distillery
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 90.4
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $180
• 2025 National Average: $225
• Official Website

So with that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Cinnamon, Bakin Spice, Wheat Grain, Vanilla, Cherry, and Oak
• Palate: Flat Cherry Vanilla Cola, Baking Spice, Oak, and A Distinct Wheat Funk
• Finish: Short to Medium with Notes of Baking Spice and Cherry Vanilla
• My Rating: Mix It! (Unfortunately, this is my least favorite Masters Collection Bottle to date… It’s just missing some sort of complexity)

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®