Placed firmly with what I like to call the staples of bourbon, Woodford Reserve is a great daily sipper; it’s always reliable and good for bourbon newcomers. It sits alongside the other staples of the price point: Elijah Craig, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Makers Mark and Wild Turkey. These five bourbons are a great introduction to high and low rye mashbills, wheaters and non. All are very approachable and reliable. Nose: vanilla, oak, hints of citrus. Palate: slight ethanol, but creamy enough to show off some brown sugar flavors and more vanilla and some baking spices. Finish: short to medium — the proof and age won’t win any complexity contests but this is a great definition of a classic standard bourbon