Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 119.8

Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Batch Proof 119.8 — the second Batch Proof release of 2021: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 119.8 proof without dilution, a rare mid-year second annual release that occurred when Woodford produced a second qualifying batch in the same calendar year.

The Batch Proof series typically releases once per year. The 2021 calendar year was unusual: Woodford released two Batch Proof expressions — the 119.8 being the second. Both use the same production process as standard Woodford Reserve with no process changes — the proof simply reflects whichever batch of approximately 120 barrels was selected and their collective natural proof at bottling. That the distillery had two qualifying batches in one year reflects the volume of mature barrels available and the production team's confidence in the character of both selections.

At 119.8 proof, the second 2021 release sits 29.4 proof points above the standard 90.4, in the lower range of the Batch Proof series — a batch composition that drew more heavily from lower-floor barrels producing more moderate proof concentrations.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, rye spice, and dark fruit — the recognizable Woodford Reserve character with the additional intensity that bottling uncut provides
• Palate: Rich caramel, baking spice, dark cherry, vanilla, and charred oak; full-bodied and rounded from the triple pot still contribution
• Finish: Long and warming with spice and oak tannin persisting

Specs

• Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Masters Collection Batch Proof
• Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
• Distillation: Triple copper pot still + column still blend
• ABV: 59.9% (119.8 Proof)
• Release: 2021 (second annual release)
• Size: 750ml

Browse the full Woodford Reserve collection at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why were there two Batch Proof releases in 2021? The series typically releases once per year, but 2021 saw two qualifying batches. Both use identical production methods — the two releases simply reflect different barrel selections with different collective proofs.
• What is Batch Proof? The same Woodford Reserve bourbon, bottled at the batch's natural proof without water addition rather than the standard 90.4 proof dilution.
• How does this compare to other Batch Proof vintages? At 119.8, this sits near the lower end of the series range, indicating a batch with more lower-floor barrels in its composition.