Woodford Reserve
WOODFORD RESERVE: Kentucky’s Historic Bourbon Distillery
The distillery where Woodford Reserve is made today was established in 1812 in Versailles, Kentucky. It is one of the oldest working Bourbon Distilleries in the US. In 1993, the spirits company Brown-Forman bought and restored the historic site. Woodford Reserve was born three years later, in 1996, and Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon was created as its flagship product.
Its elegant and unusual bottle flask shape disrupted the bourbon category and has remained very distinctive and recognisable. It carries the legacy of Bourbon’s early pioneers and symbolises the balance of history, craftsmanship, and modern whiskey culture.
Unlike many distilleries that focus mainly on mash bill and ageing, Woodford Reserve emphasises a holistic approach around the 5 sources of flavour to really enhance flavour at their best: Grain Recipe, Water, Fermentation, Distillation and Maturation. WR Kentucky Straight Bourbon’s mash Bill contains a higher Rye ratio than many standard Bourbons, giving it a spicier, more robust character while still keeping the sweetness of corn. We use extra-long fermentation compared to the industry, and we were the first American Whiskey Distillery to triple distil whiskey, which makes our whiskey extra smooth.
SHOP THE RANGE
VP, Master Distiller Emeritus
The mastermind behind Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Rye, and Master’s Collection is Chris Morris. Chris began his career in bourbon in 1976 as a trainee in Brown-Forman’s central lab. In 1997, he found himself as an understudy to Lincoln Henderson, Woodford Reserve’s Inaugural Master Distiller, who in 2003 Chris succeeded. In the years that followed, Chris was responsible for creating the world’s first bourbon finished in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Barrels. He’s also credited with developing the world’s first maple barrel, a difficult feat, made easier when you command your own cooperage.
Since February 2023, Chris Morris assumed the role of VP, Master Distiller Emeritus. This is the highest honour one can achieve as a distiller. He will continue to advise on liquid quality and innovation across our portfolio of Super Premium American Whiskeys and lead special projects for Woodford.
Head Master Distiller
Elizabeth O’Neill McCall, Woodford Reserves Head Master Distiller, has been a member of Brown-Forman’s Research & Development Department since 2009. Elizabeth has been working with Master Distiller Chris Morris on the innovation and the development of new products within Woodford Reserve.
As Master Taster, Elizabeth helped develop tasting notes for various Woodford Reserve expressions. Additionally, she worked to define the sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.
In February 2023. Elizabeth McCall was named VP, Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, succeeding the legendary Chris Morris, who assumed the role of VP, Master Distiller Emeritus.
Production
Woodford Reserve is made from a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, but it is so much more than that. Whiskey takes its flavour influences from five different sources: the grain recipe, the water source, how it’s fermented, how it’s distilled, and how it’s matured. Each of these five components can be carefully controlled to influence the nose, mouthfeel, and palate of the whiskey, making every step integral to creating a flavourful spirit. Harmony and equilibrium remain at the core of The Five Sources, and it’s this combination that perfectly balances Woodford Reserve’s more than 200 detectable flavour notes.
Four primary cereal grains are commonly used in the whiskey-making process: corn, rye, wheat, and barley. All Kentucky Bourbon whiskies are crafted from a grain recipe that must contain at least 51% corn by volume. The Woodford Reserve grain recipe includes 18% rye, which is high for a bourbon. Rye is an expensive grain, but it contributes to the whiskey’s spicy character.
Woodford Reserve integrates traditional methods with modern techniques to produce a range of whiskeys, including Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Rye, and limited editions like the Master’s Collection and Batch Proof. The distillery employs a high-rye mash bill, extended fermentation, triple pot still distillation, and maturation in heat-cycled warehouses. With a diverse portfolio, Woodford Reserve offers a comprehensive exploration of American whiskey.
