By Randall H. Borkus
Rating: B-
(Credit: Brown-Forman)
Woodford Reserve is a premium Kentucky bourbon brand produced by the Brown-Forman. Its flagship product is bourbon which it introduced in the 1996 as part of the Small Batch era that did so much to lay the foundations of the Bourbon Boom of the last decade. Woodford Reserve expanded its portfolio to include a rye whiskey in the 2015, and eventually an American Malt (not a single malt) and Wheat Whiskey as well.
In October 2025 Woodford Reserve announced the release of a Limited Edition Barrel Strength Rye whiskey. Woodford Reserve used their standard rye mash bill of 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley, yet this bottled at 125.1 proof.
“Barrel Strength Rye honors the legacy of America’s original rye whiskeys, where spice and tobacco take the lead, layered with notes of fruit, floral, and subtle sweetness,” Elizabeth McCall said. “But rather than presenting the standard 90.4 proof for which Woodford is known, this high-proof expression brings more pronounced spice notes.” According to McCall, about 120 barrels were pulled for this release which was due to the much higher proof of the whiskey.
The Bourbon
The color is a dark lumbering amber in my Glencairn with nice legs slowly dancing down the sides of my glass. The nose sings of a Christmas winter forest with blasts of fresh spearmint, sugared pine needles, oak and light sprinkles of burnt sugars.
The front palate is delightfully warming, and smooth with juicy spearmint, and burnt brown sugar. The rye whiskey coats my mid-palate with juicy fruit, moderate spice and sleek mouthfeel. The finish begins with a full-bodied spice cake, with lingering spice and lasting medium length.
This Woodford Reserve rye whiskey drinks much smoother than I expected for a barrel proof rye whiskey. And why not, Woodford Reserve produces some elegant whiskeys each year. I also think it is fair to surmise that Woodford may very well add this limited-edition barrel proof rye to their ongoing annual limited edition lineup in the future as they do each year with their annual Batch Proof Bourbon. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, easy drinking rye whiskey. However, I am forced to note that it seems a bit spendy to me especially when compared to the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye, which is a solid whiskey and sells for $72 at Total Wine in Minneapolis, MN.
The Price
Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye is available now for $139.00 in 700ml bottle at the distillery and specialty retailers. I also saw it for as much as $179.00 online.
