Review: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof 2024
Review: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof 2024
Woodford Reserve’s Batch Proof release for 2024 arrives early this time, arriving this year at a relatively tame 121.2 proof. As always, “Batch Proof showcases the flavor nuances created from batching 100+ different Woodford Reserve barrels together, then presenting that bourbon at the exact proof from the barrels.” Other than abv, it’s essentially a barrel pick of Woodford’s best stock available at the moment.
Unlike many annually released cask strength bourbons, Woodford’s Batch Proof doesn’t immediately seem to change a whole lot from year to year, though spending some time with the whiskey reveals plenty of nuance. 2024’s release showcases a heavy barrel influence, that’s laced with dark cherries and a hint of anise. Vanilla and dried banana chip notes are enduring, but the whiskey is increasingly smoky as it develops in the glass, with touches of torched citrus, the whiskey leans heavily on char as a sign of things to come.
On the palate, the whiskey is again quite wood-forward and toasty, bordering on smoky, with elements of tobacco and dry grasses. Smoldering with notes of cloves and dark chocolate, the sweeter side of the bourbon slowly comes into focus, with a return of cherry, perhaps dried, and a light floral quality. Honey-sweet on the finish, with a reprise of well-spiced wood that keeps things grounded. A splash of water is a great idea to help round out the sharper edges and helps a butterscotch character to emerge, but it’s worth tasting straight as well to experience its evolution to a lower abv.
This expression of Batch Proof took a bit longer for me to warm up to, but once I got there, I found the experience to be wholly worthwhile.
121.2 proof.
B+ / $150 / woodfordreserve.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 2024
$150
