Woodford Reserve - The #1 Delicious American Classic

Bourbon, the American classic whiskey, is enjoying a rise in the premium spirits market. The folks at Woodford Reserve have noticed a growing number of us South Africans are learning to appreciate the softer and slightly sweeter notes of authentic American whiskey – and Woodford Reserve is one of the most sublime offerings you can find.

Why Bourbon?

As Rowan Gibb, the Super Premium Ambassador for Woodford Reserve says, “Bourbon has something to offer every whiskey palate, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spicy, fruit and floral notes. South African drinkers are acquiring a taste for bourbon as the profile of the whisk(e)y drinker has evolved over time. What used to be the preference of older men, has found new enthusiasm amongst women acquiring a taste for whisk(e)y.”

This I find to be true. I dabbled in a variety of whiskies in my 20’s, and found that while I do love a good Irish whiskey (sticking true to my family’s roots, I love Jameson), I actually do really enjoy the sweeter notes found in bourbon. I’ve had it in many ways – mixed with a splash of lime (in my younger years), knocked back as a shooter with passion fruit (aaaah Suitcases), on ice, straight up or mixed in a cocktail.

Being married to an avid bourbon fan has only intensified this new love. And Woodford Reserve is his top choice.

So what’s the difference between whiskey and bourbon?

First off is the spelling of the word ‘whisk(e)y. In the United States and in Ireland, it’s spelled “whiskey” with the inclusion of an “e”. In Scotland, Canada and Japan, it’s “whisky”.

You can get Irish whiskey (i.e. Jameson), Japanese whisky (I see these pop up so often on One Day Only on promotion these days), and Scottish whisky, more commonly referred to as Scotch (it can only be named this if it’s entirely produced and bottled in Scotland). These are whisk(e)y.

Bourbon is ONLY produced in the United States (mostly in Kentucky), and uses at least 51% mash from corn in it’s production. In order to be classified as a bourbon, it MUST contain at least 51% corn. In order to be called a bourbon, it has to be made in the US.

Woodford Reserve uses 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley in their recipe – which is actually a pretty high malted barley content, and contributes to it’s overall nutty characteristics. The Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select has notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, cherries and dates. “Woodford Reserve has a wonderful complexity of flavour and character with over 200 flavour notes which delights and wows the senses.” says Rowan Gibb.

Tasting bourbon like a pro

Elizabeth McCall, the Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve recommends you try as many bourbons as you can, and has some great tips to follow when tasting a bourbon for the first time: –

♦ Taste the bourbon neat, and in a tulip-shaped glass, as this will concentrate the aroma at the rim.

♦ Slightly part your lips and smell the bourbon – see what specific notes you can pick out.

♦ Take a sip and move it around in your mouth before swallowing it. Take a moment to think about the flavours and the mouth feel of the bourbon – is it creamy, smooth, does it have a bite to it? Woodford Reserve has 212 detectable flavours in it!

♦ As you swallow, consider the ‘finish’ of the bourbon. It will leave a short, medium or long finish, which can be described as smooth or mellow, through to crisp, spicy, dry or with a burn to it. In fact, it’s common to feel the ‘Kentucky Hug’, a warm sensation after you’ve swallowed (I definitely get this when I sip on Woodford Reserve).

Have you tried an Old Fashioned?

If you’ve hung around this site for a while, you already know I’m a big fan of an Old Fashioned. I’ve included it as a recipe for various other spirits previously, but nothing will ever compare to your first Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned dates all the way back to the 1800’s and is believed to have been founded in Louisville, Kentucky, in a gentleman’s club. It contains bourbon, bitters, water and sugar, and is an absolute classic.

Each year, Old Fashioned Week is celebrated around the world. It’s a 10-day celebration for whiskey drinkers, and Woodford Reserve even have their own recipe for creating your own at home. Elizabeth McCall actually has some great tips to ensure you get the best quality Old Fashioned at home: –

♦ Use a nice quality, clear whiskey tumbler.

♦ Use good quality ice – the larger the cube, the better.

♦ Use the best quality spirit, such as Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select.

♦ Chill the mixing glass.

♦ Stir the drink – an Old Fashioned should never be shaken!