Woodford Reserve Straight Rye

Simply stated: it's fantastic. And makes a grand old fashioned.

I really enjoyed this rye. Big Woodford guy to begin, and I want to make this my first rye purchase for my shelf.

Smells like oak. Tastes spicy, maybe a little sweet aftertaste.

My recent interest in rye led me to explore some of the main brands, today Woodford Reserve from Kentucky, USA. With only 53% rye in the mash bill, it appears fairly tame and 'bourbon-y'. Sweet spices, caramel popcorn and herbal honey form the nose, mixed with pineapple, walnuts and hints of fresh wood. The taste is spicier, oak-driven and slightly spirity with notes of bitter oranges, cloves and mild pepper. Lingering wood spices and orange zest remain in the medium finish. A perfectly drinkable rye, but less punchy and bold than Rittenhouse. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]