The annual holiday release from Woodford Reserve brings an extra splash of cheer to your holiday party or gift giving event.

Kentucky’s Woodford Reserve releases two commemorative bottles each year, one for the Kentucky Derby, and one for the holiday season. This year’s Woodford holiday bottle features golden bows that compliment the Bourbon’s amber hues. “Woodford Reserve is a remarkable gift for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike,” master distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “With this year’s look, no gift wrapping required.” The whiskey inside is the same standard Woodford Reserve Bourbon, bottled at 45.2% ABV and priced at US$53 for a one-litre bottle. It is available globally as well as via Reserve Bar in the US where shipping is legal (Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, New England, and Washington DC). This year, Woodford Reserve also teamed up with Williams Sonona for an 8 Days of Spirit Advent Calendar, priced at US$149.95. The calendar includes eight miniature cocktail mixers and artisanal bitters. While December is well underway, we covered that and other spirits-centric Advent calendars for anyone looking to play catch up or get a jump start on next year. And for more seasonal sips, check out these cocktail recipes from Bardinet Brandy, the latest addition to our SB advent countdown.

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Winter Remedy

Nightjar bartender Omar Caimi crafted this Winter Remedy cocktail, which combines Woodford Reserve washed in wild berry butter, mulled wine and ginger bitters, for a rich and spiced cocktail delight. Ingredients:

• 50ml Woodford washed in wild berry butter* 
• 10ml Nightjar mulled wine syrup**
• 3 dashes of ginger bitters 
• Garnish: Crystallised ginger and red currant

Method: Build over a large ice block in your rocks glass and stir. *Woodford washed in wild berry butter: 

• 200ml Woodford reserve 
• 30g butter
• 30g fresh currant 
• 2g wild berry tea

Method: Melt the butter in a deep pan and add the currants and the measure of tea. When the berries are starting to become 'fluffy', add to the measure of Woodford reserve and then place in the fridge for a night. Strain through coffee filters. **Mulled wine syrup: Boil one bottle of wine and add two nutmeg mace, two black cardamom pods, five cloves, 20g of vanilla paste, and the zest of three tangerines. Strain and add sugar (two parts sugar to one of wine).