Master’s Collection
Woodford Reserve’s barrel finish philosophy aims to accentuate a attributes that already exist in our complex whiskies—never to add or change flavors. For the 2024 Master’s Collection release, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall experimented with finishing our bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskies in Madeira barrels—creating uniquely fruit-forward whiskies.
Hailing from the Madeira Islands off the coast of Portugal, Madeira barrels are rich with dried fruit, spice, and nutty flavors from the fortified wine they once held. To further enhance the flavors of the Madeira-finished whiskies, we blended them with our fruit-forward Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey.
Together, this blend elevates the expansive fruit and floral notes found in our Wheat Whiskey to create this year’s Master Collection presentation: Woodford Reserve Madeira Cask Finish.
Madeira Cask Finish
Proof
90.4 °
Appearance
Chestnut
Nose
Dark cherries and candied oranges sprinkled with cocoa powder awaken to bright pepper, clove, nutmeg, and cedar wood
Taste
Rich oak, cinnamon, clove, and tobacco box fade into robust dried dark fruit notes of raisin and dried cranberry
Finish
The bright spice notes linger and give way to berry fruit and dark cocoa
