Hmmm...

It looks like we got out of sync.
Reload your page to freshen up and ensure that you get the best experience.

  • Skip to navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Join Distiller

Take your spirits journey to the next level when you create an account. Once you sign in you can...

  • Rate Bottles

  • Add Your Notes

  • Save To My Top Shelf

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign in

Enjoy our full-featured list experience in the
free distiller app

  • Create your own lists
  • Find spirits on the go
  • Easily search thousands of products
  • Follow friends and see what they're drinking
  • Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities PRO
Download Now No Thanks

Enjoy our full-featured list experience in the
free distiller app

  • Create your own lists
  • Find spirits on the go
  • Easily search thousands of products
  • Follow friends and see what they're drinking
  • Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities
    PRO

GET IT NOW:

If you want to add an image to your reviews, install the app.

GET IT NOW:

Distiller.com uses cookies that are essential for us to operate the website and that are helpful for us to improve the services. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to first-party and third-party cookies being stored on your device. Learn More About Cookies
Search
Distiller Home
  • Search
  • Find People
  • Join Pro
  • Recommend
  • Articles
  • Sign In
  • Register
  • Search
  • Find People
  • About Distiller
  • The Tasting Table
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Home

robertmaxrees

Woodford Reserve Rye

Rye — Kentucky, USA

Reviewed November 12, 2020
3.5
3.5 out of 5 stars
Nose: Oak, vanilla, barrel, and char all present, though I'm also getting a big combo of thyme, dill, mint, and dusty corn. Getting a distinct Play-Doh with herbs vibe. Sweet red bell pepper. Black pepper, clove, cumin, and slight cinnamon. Cocoa and dusty leather. THis is definitely rye, but also a very high percentage of corn for a rye, so it's exactly what you'd expect from, say, a high-rye mashbill bourbon. Palate: Surprisngly consistent with the nose - the oak's tannic bitterness coming through now. Also getting some solid fruits - bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Hot cocoa with toasted marshmellows. Thyme and rosemary, subtle hits of dill. The basking spice/black pepper combo is also still here, along with that dusty corn. Certainly middle and upper palate focused, whith the lower palae pulled way back. Light mouthfeel. Finish: Soft fruits, cocoa, and cigar tobacco give way to dusty corn and cheerios. A good swell of camphor and mint alongside a ping of ethanol settle down into a peach cobble with lemon and topped with vanilla-flavored whipped cream, the oak hanging out underneath the rest of the experience. Mediun-short length. Other notes: Though not terribly complex or big, this answers a question I didn't realize I had - we have high-rye bourbon, why not high-corn rye? Which makes me further consider other options - high barley rye and a 51/49 malt/rye combo specifically come to mind. I'll be upfront that this is not what I'm necessarily looking for in a rye, but is interesting nonetheless, the corn balancing against and taming the rye spice in a very appealing way. I could totally see this as an excellent introduction to the style for somebody that doesn't want to drop much money or have something deeply challenging. Not something I'd feel compelled to have on-hand, but something I might pick up if I wanted a few bottles around for company.
  • jdriip
Create Account or Sign in to comment on this review

Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter

Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Download The App
To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.
  • Terms Of Service. ™/© 2026 Distiller
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit For Review
  • Jobs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Distiller
  • The Tasting Table
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit For Review
  • Jobs
  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Service. ™/© 2026 Distiller
Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Newsletter
Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter for new bottle & feature updates
To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.