Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Very Fine Rare Bourbon

Salty, tannins, metallic, cherry, vanilla, sweet

Nose: The nose is heavy but well balanced and is packed full of baking aromas - pecan pie, cherry cobbler, treacle tart, cornbread, toasty oak and dark chocolate cake. There’s a reminiscence of smoke, like tobacco in an old leather pouch and a note that is almost like a sherry cask (nah, surely not). Very satisfying. Palate: Good arrival – full bodied, creamy, oily oak and big fruit flavours. Vanilla and dark honey in the development with some well managed oak tannin and spice notes, but nothing is bright or gaudy about this palate. It is magisterial and assured, but not boastful. The mouthfeel is exquisitely rounded. Finish: Medium/long. The dense woody fruit character tails off into brown sugar. A very well balanced profile that leans towards the oaky side of things, but not disarmingly so. There is an elegant and mature sweetness to the palate. I enjoyed this a lot. It comes on full-throttle but does not overwhelm and there is a charming gentle side to it as well. For me the proof is right on target and well chosen to showcase the style. Do NOT add water – it actively spoils this first-class bourbon. Expensive, but worth it. “Very Good” : 86/100 (4 stars)