Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey has become more commonplace in SA, and over the last couple of years, more and more rye releases have made it to our shores. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey is the latest brand to bring its rye release here.

In 2021, the Jack Daniel’s Rye reached our shores, and from May 2022, the variety is even more varied. Woodford Reserve is well known for its delicious Distiller’s Select and Double Oaked bourbon releases that have regular features on my social media feed.

The distillery is situated in Woodford County, Kentucky. With a rich history dating back to 1812, Elijah Pepper was the first to begin distillation on the site. The site and distillery changed hands various times during the following years until it was sold to the Brown Forman Corporation.

Also Read: Pikesville Rye Whiskey

The Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey was launched in 2015 as the third permanent addition to the brand’s core range. Woodford Reserve Rye uses a pre-prohibition style rye ratio to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys.

The legal requirement for a straight rye is 51%, so the rye content is slightly higher. The Woodford Reserve Rye mash bill is 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt. It has quite a high corn ration compared to the Jack Daniel’s Rye which has a mash bill of 70% rye,18% corn and 12% malted barley. It is a NAS release.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45.2%

COLOUR: Polished copper

NOSE: Caramel sweetness, fresh green orchid fruit, cereal and toasted wood. The traditional rye spice notes with hints of black pepper. Elegant and soft.

PALATE: Rye spices mixed with fresh fruit, green grass and black pepper. Bits of honey and bourbon vanilla with a butterscotch note. Toasted oak, green herbs with bits of orange. Medium body that is soft and oily.

Water softens the rye spice notes, and it is delicious without water. Not the boldest rye, but an outstanding balance between the rye spice and sweet fruity notes.

FINISH: Medium length with oaky notes, pepper and caramel sweetness. Something green in the background.

RATING: EXCELLENT

However, it is not the most complex or bold dram; it is still a tremendously drinkable rye whiskey. Mellower and more approachable than the Sazerac or the Mitchters Rye whiskey.

It is delicious, and I think it will perfectly suit the sweeter South African palate. It has an outstanding balance between the rye notes and the sweet fruity elements.

The Woodford Rye whiskey is great rye to use for cocktails. It is available now at selected stores and retail for around R450.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Woodford Rye and the Bulleit Rye to see how they stack up against each other. Playing around, I have also done a side by side comparison with the Jack Daniel’s Rye to see which one would be my favourite.

Also Read: Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky

Sample disclosure: I received this whisky from the Woodford Reserve team. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the rye whisky.