Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon whiskey known for its smooth and rich flavor profile. To fully enjoy and appreciate the nuances of this fine spirit, follow these steps to savor your drink:

1. Choose the right glassware: Select a rocks glass or a whiskey tumbler with a wide mouth. This allows you to appreciate the aromas and flavors of the whiskey. Some people prefer a Glencairn, but I’m partial to a Yeti Tumbler for my bourbon.
2. Serve it neat: Neat refers to drinking the whiskey without any additional mixers or ice. This method allows you to experience the full character of the bourbon. Pour a measure of Woodford Reserve into your glass, usually about 1.5 to 2 ounces.
3. Observe the appearance: Take a moment to appreciate the color and clarity of the whiskey. Woodford Reserve typically has a deep amber hue.
4. Nose the whiskey: Gently swirl the glass to release the aromas. Bring the glass to your nose and take a few deep inhales, noting the different scents. Woodford Reserve offers notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and hints of fruit and spice (more on the taste profile a little bit later).
5. Sip and savor: Take a small sip and let the whiskey rest on your palate. Allow it to coat your mouth, taking note of the flavors and the mouthfeel.
6. Consider adding a few drops of water or ice: If you find the whiskey too strong or want to enhance the flavors, you can add a few drops of water to your glass. This can help open up the whiskey and release additional aromas and flavors. I like to drink my Woodford on the rocks.
7. Enjoy slowly: Bourbon is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Take your time, savoring each sip and allowing the flavors to evolve on your palate. Feel free to take breaks between sips to fully appreciate the experience.

Remember, personal taste preferences vary, so feel free to experiment and find the method that suits you best. Whether you choose to drink it neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks, the goal is to enjoy and appreciate the unique qualities of Woodford Reserve.

What Flavors Will You Taste In Woodford Reserve Bourbon?

Woodford Reserve is known for its complex flavor profile that combines various notes and aromas. When tasting Woodford Reserve, you can expect to experience a range of flavors, including:

1. Rich caramel: Woodford Reserve offers a prominent caramel note, providing a sweet and rich foundation to the flavor profile.
2. Vanilla: You’ll often detect distinct vanilla flavors in Woodford Reserve, contributing a smooth and creamy element.
3. Toasted oak: The bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels, which imparts flavors of toasted oak, lending a pleasant and slightly smoky character to the whiskey.
4. Spices: Woodford Reserve exhibits subtle spice notes, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. These spices add complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
5. Fruit: You might detect hints of dried fruits, such as raisins or dried apricots, which add a touch of sweetness and fruitiness to the whiskey.
6. Nuts: Some individuals pick up on nutty flavors in Woodford Reserve, with notes of almonds or pecans adding a pleasant nuttiness to the overall taste.

What Cocktails Can You Make With Woodford Reserve?

So you aren’t a just bourbon fan. That’s ok! There are plenty of cocktails you can also make with Woodford Reserve. Here are a few classic and delicious cocktails you can make with Woodford Reserve:

1. Old Fashioned:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Woodford Reserve
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp of sugar
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange twist and/or cherry for garnish
• Instructions: Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a rocks glass. Add Woodford Reserve and ice cubes. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.

2. Mint Julep:

• Ingredients:
  • 2.5 oz (75 ml) Woodford Reserve
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
• Instructions: Muddle a few mint leaves with simple syrup in a julep cup or glass. Fill the cup with crushed ice. Add Woodford Reserve and stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig.

3. Boulevardier:

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz (45 ml) Woodford Reserve
  • 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
  • Orange twist for garnish
• Instructions: Stir Woodford Reserve, sweet vermouth, and Campari with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

4. Whiskey Sour:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Woodford Reserve
  • 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
  • Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish
• Instructions: Shake Woodford Reserve, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice in a shaker. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.

5. Manhattan:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Woodford Reserve
  • 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Instructions: Stir Woodford Reserve, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Remember to adjust the ingredient proportions according to your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment and add your own twists to these classic recipes.

Conclusion

Woodford Reserve is a versatile bourbon that can be sipped neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, or with a mixer like Sprite or 7Up (my personal pick for a mixer – some like Woodford and Coke, but I think masks the taste of the Woodford too much).

Regardless on how you drink it, you can enjoy Woodford with your family and friends at any time. Just make sure to enjoy responsibly!