Woodford Reserve adds to Distillery Series

Brown-Forman-owned Woodford Reserve has released a limited edition whiskey as part of its annual Distillery Series, called Honey Barrel Finish.

Launched to mark Bourbon Heritage Month, the new bottling is finished in barrels that once stored honey from a local bee farmer in Woodford County, Kentucky. “One of the best parts of my job is being able to experiment with new ways of making Woodford Reserve,” said master distiller Chris Morris. “It’s been rewarding to work with a honey producer here in Woodford County to create this unique Distillery Series expression and support local business and agriculture.” Woodford Reserve Distillery originally loaned some of its ‘freshly-dumped’ Bourbon barrels to the honey bee farmer, who went on to age honey in the barrels. The barrels were then returned to the distillery to be filled with Bourbon. The resulting liquid delivers floral and toasty notes of honey suckle, lemon peel, toasted coconut and honey graham cracker, with a long finish. There are three annual releases of the Distillery Series. Honey Barrel Finish is available in 375ml bottles at 45.2% ABV. It retails for RRP US$59.99 and can be bought from the Woodford Reserve Distillery’s gift shop and at select Kentucky retailers. In December 2021, the whiskey brand released its limited edition Five-Malt Stouted Mash, the 17th bottling in its Master’s Collection range. In 2018, it rolled out a US$1,500 Bourbon that was finished in Cognac casks. Last year, Woodford Reserve was awarded the World Whisky Brand Champion 2021.