The Data

Category   Whiskey

Sub-Category   Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Origin   Kentucky

Retail Price   $37.99

ABV   45.2%

Score   5 Stars/Supreme!

In the Glass

Brilliant, crystal clear.

The nose is big and complex with rich caramel and baked grain notes supported by a collection of brown baking spices that include clove, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg with dried black fruit, ginger biscuits, vanilla, and toasted oak.

The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a silky and spicy, grain driven core with sweet honey notes and drier spices like black pepper emerging on the finish.

This is a hearty Whiskey with many layers that become more defined and enjoyable with the addition of water. This is one of the most ideally balanced Rye Whiskies you will encounter.

Cool Factor

These days Rye Whiskey is assumed cool until proven otherwise and the Woodford Reserve Rye certainly demonstrates its cool chops in the glass.

Value Grade

At under $40 with top-flight quality and hedonistic pleasure coupled with incredible demand I find this tasty Rye to be a great value.

Analysis

Rye Whiskey has been and remains a bold and brash Whiskey that is made for lovers of spice and heat. This lovely Whiskey delivers many classic Rye attributes while also being ultra-balanced with layers of delicate flavors as well. I'm an unabashed fan. Woodford Reserve Rye is made with a mash bill consisting of of 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley.

How to Enjoy

With balance and complexity being the highlights here this is meant for sipping and perhaps not the classic Rye for cocktails. I like to add a healthy splash of water and when warm, a single ice cube.