🥃 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The core release of Woodford Reserve: Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof).
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the core release of the Woodford Reserve brand and its best-known expression. According to the official website, it is a Kentucky bourbon at 45.2% ABV, or 90.4 proof. Most people first meet the brand through it, and the other versions build on this base.
Bourbon under the American standard 27 CFR § 5.143 must have at least 51% corn in the mash, be matured in new charred oak barrels, be distilled to no more than 160 proof and enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof. The word “Straight” means at least two years of aging. The official page does not state the exact mash bill or age for this release, so we do not give them. The website describes the taste as rich, with citrus, cinnamon, cocoa and caramel.
Why it matters to you. This release is the reference point: it is the easiest way to compare Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and the other versions, which differ in aging or grain. Read the full name on the label and the strength. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Legal basis | 27 CFR § 5.143 (USA), bourbon standard |
|---|---|
| EU category | 2 — whisky/whiskey |
| Raw material | corn (at least 51%) under the standard; the release's exact mash bill is not stated |
| Cask type | new charred oak barrels (standard requirement) |
| Minimum maturation | for Straight, at least 2 years under 27 CFR § 5.143 |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon → packed in → 🍷 Oak barrel ← packed in ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🍷 Oak barrel
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Woodford Reserve, 🥃 Bourbon whiskey, 🥃 Straight bourbon whiskey
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Old Forester 86 Proof, 🥃 Michter's US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Frequently asked questions
Is this the only bourbon from the brand?
No. Double Oaked is also a bourbon, while Rye, Malt and Wheat are made from other grains and are not bourbons.
What is the strength of this release?
45.2% ABV, or 90.4 proof, according to the official page of the release.
What does Kentucky Straight Bourbon mean?
Bourbon with at least 51% corn in the mash, matured in new charred oak barrels for at least two years under US standards.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky — Grain in the name of American whiskey: bourbon is at least 51% corn, rye at least 51% rye, corn whiskey at least 80% corn.
- 🥃 Michter's US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon — Michter's base bourbon: a Kentucky straight bourbon in small batches of up to 20 barrels, matured in new charred barrels; 45.7% ABV (91.4 proof).
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
- 🥃 Old Forester 86 Proof — The flagship Old Forester: a Kentucky straight bourbon at 43% ABV (86 proof), with no age statement.
Similar
🥃 Woodford Reserve Double Oaked · 🥃 Woodford Reserve Wheat · 🥃 Woodford Reserve Malt · 🥃 Woodford Reserve Rye · 🥃 Four Roses Bourbon · 🥃 Four Roses Small Batch
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Woodford Reserve (official site): Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2 % ABV / 90.4 proof, tasting notes
- Woodford Reserve (official site): range of expressions
- 27 CFR § 5.143 (US): standards of identity for whisky: bourbon, rye, wheat, malt (min. 51 % of the named grain, new charred oak, distillation max. 160 proof, barrel entry max. 125 proof)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)