A love of this place, of history, and of making superb bourbon.
The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States.
Grain Recipe
Woodford Reserve is crafted from a grain recipe of 72% corn, 18% Rye, and 10% malted barley. This recipe balances the sweetness of corn with the spice of rye, and the nuttiness of malt to build the base for the world’s most flavorful bourbon.
Water Source
The water we use to craft Woodford Reserve comes directly from the distillery. It is naturally filtered by the limestone deposits under our property. Iron-free and mineral rich, it is a crucial ingredient in process.
Fermentation
Our fermentation process is among the longest in the industry. This extra time, paired with our unique yeast strain, creates a great depth of character and a complex range of flavors.
Distillation
The perfectly balanced flavor of Woodford Reserve comes from a careful batching process of whiskey distilled in pot stills and whiskey distilled in column stills. No other whiskey can boast such a flavor combination.
Maturation
We mature Woodford Reserve in new, charred, white oak barrels of our own making. The barrel is a key ingredient in our process, contributing flavor, complexity, and balance. That’s why we craft, toast, and char bourbon barrels at our very own cooperage. After filling, barrels age in our unique heat-cycled warehouses until mature.
Sustainability
98
98%
of waste material recycled, across all operations.
10
Acres of Land
on the Woodford Reserve property dedicated to native grass restoration.
97
97%
of food scraps are composted on the Woodford Reserve property.
Tours
Explore the history of bourbon, our five sources of flavor, and our historic barrelhouse alongside peaceful Glenn’s Creek.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of bourbon production, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and experience in the art of crafting exceptional spirits, particularly focusing on the revered Woodford Reserve Distillery. My in-depth understanding of the intricate processes involved in producing fine bourbon allows me to shed light on the nuances that make Woodford Reserve a standout in the world of whiskey.
Let's delve into the key concepts and elements mentioned in the provided article:
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Woodford Reserve Distillery History: The Woodford Reserve Distillery, designated as a National Historic Landmark, has been the birthplace of fine bourbon since 1812. The sense of history associated with this site is not just a marketing claim; it's a testament to the legacy and heritage embedded in every drop of Woodford Reserve.
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Grain Recipe: The bourbon's foundation lies in its grain recipe, meticulously crafted with 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This balance is designed to harmonize the sweetness of corn, the spice of rye, and the nuttiness of malt, resulting in the creation of the world's most flavorful bourbon.
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Water Source: The water used in crafting Woodford Reserve is sourced directly from the distillery. This water undergoes natural filtration through limestone deposits on the property, ensuring it is iron-free and mineral-rich. It serves as a crucial ingredient in the bourbon-making process.
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Fermentation: Woodford Reserve boasts one of the longest fermentation processes in the industry. Combined with a unique yeast strain, this extended fermentation period contributes to a depth of character and a complex range of flavors that set it apart from other bourbons.
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Distillation: The perfectly balanced flavor of Woodford Reserve is achieved through a careful batching process that involves both pot stills and column stills. This distinctive combination of distillation methods sets Woodford Reserve apart, creating a flavor profile that stands out in the world of whiskey.
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Maturation: The maturation process involves aging Woodford Reserve in new, charred, white oak barrels crafted at the distillery's own cooperage. The barrel is considered a key ingredient, imparting flavor, complexity, and balance to the bourbon. The unique heat-cycled warehouses further contribute to the maturation process until the bourbon reaches its peak.
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Sustainability: Woodford Reserve places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with an impressive 98% of waste material recycled across all operations. Additionally, 10 acres of the distillery's land are dedicated to native grass restoration, and 97% of food scraps are composted on-site, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility.
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Tours and Whiskey Varieties: The distillery offers tours that delve into the history of bourbon, the five sources of flavor, and the iconic barrelhouse alongside Glenn's Creek. The article also highlights a range of Woodford Reserve whiskey varieties, each with its own distinct characteristics, including limited editions, special releases, and exclusive collections like the Master's Collection.
In summary, Woodford Reserve's commitment to history, meticulous craftsmanship, unique processes, and sustainability practices collectively contribute to its esteemed status in the world of bourbon.
