Woodford Reserve
On Glenn's Creek in Kentucky, Elijah Pepper had a small distillery built in 1812, but it was his son Oscar who turned it into something special in 1838: a limestone building where Scottish-born distiller James Christopher Crow perfected the sour mash process – a method still underpinning almost every American bourbon today. After decades operating as Labrot & Graham, the historic site sat empty by 1994, until Brown-Forman bought it, restored it extensively, and reopened it in 1996 as Woodford Reserve. The traditional copper pot stills, unusual for Kentucky, give the bourbon its distinctively fruity, elegant character.
Content: 0.7 Liter (€42.84 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€67.13 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€54.27 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.04 Liter (€149.75 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Code: Halloween26
Content: 0.04 Liter (€174.75 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Code: Halloween26
Content: 0.7 Liter (€49.99 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€177.13 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
What makes Woodford Reserve different from other bourbons?
While almost every Kentucky distillery relies on column stills, Woodford Reserve triple-distills in classic copper pot stills more commonly associated with Scotland. That produces a rounder, more fruit-forward bourbon than the region's typically bolder profile.
Who was James Crow and why does he matter?
Scottish-born distiller James C. Crow developed the sour mash process on the estate in the 1830s, using part of a previous fermentation as a starter for the next batch. The technique ensures consistency and is now the industry standard for practically every American bourbon and Tennessee whiskey.
Flavour profile
Taste: Fruity and sweet with notes of caramel, ripe banana, vanilla and a subtle spiciness, followed by a soft, warm finish with a light touch of oak.
Recommended enjoyment: Neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a classic Old Fashioned or Mint Julep – Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.
Start with the Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, or for more depth from double barrel finishing choose the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
Facts and figures
Origins in 1812 (Elijah Pepper), historic limestone distillery built 1838 (Oscar Pepper & James Crow). Reopened 1996 under Brown-Forman. Location: Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky. Distillation: triple pot still.