Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Batch Proof 2023 Release 124.7 Proof (62.35%) Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

"...a tempting, mouth-watering whiskey that’s hard to put down and which works perfectly well, even at full strength." - drinkhacker.com

Described by one taster as "Double Oak on steroids" the 2023 Master's Collection Batch Proof edition employs Woodford’s standard mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley with barrel-to-bottle entry. It is reportedly similar to Batch Proofs of the past with the high-rye content contributing a mix of spices alongside a chocolatey accent. Taking over from Chris Morris in 2022, second-generation distiller Elizabeth McCall was the woman in charge of the release describing the whiskey as possessing all the trademark flavours of Woodford Reserve, but in a bigger, bolder delivery. Both aromatically and in the mouth it's a major step up in weight compared to the distillery's standard fare, featuring keynotes of cherry-ripe chocolate, vanilla and spicy rye as well as late hints of pipe tobacco and banana bread in an oily, delicately bittersweet, cocoa-dusted finish. Given the higher ABV, quality and relatively accessible price point, this bottling should be a straightforward buying decision for drinkers and collectors alike. 62.35% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... While Woodford Reserve’s Batch Proof has been an annual release since 2018, we’ve reviewed it only once, in 2020. The whiskey isn’t designed to change dramatically from year to year, however. It’s a mingling of standard Woodford Reserve barrels all pulled into a single batch, then bottled at barrel — or, in this case — “batch” strength. If you like Woodford at its standard 90.4 proof, the idea holds, well, you’ll love it at full strength. This year that hits 124.7 proof, less than 1% abv different than 2020’s 123.6 proof. As in 2020, I like this plenty, and it carries a lot of Woodford’s DNA, just plumped up. Chocolatey and nutty on the nose, the wood components are soothing and well-integrated, leaving room for some Maraska cherry notes to emerge. Increasingly toasty as it develops in glass, the bourbon offers a faint but pleasing smokiness, perhaps of applewood smoke curing bacon. Similar characteristics imbue the palate: Chocolate and cherry, with ample baking spice backing the duo up. Baked apple and banana load into the van shortly after, filtered through a slight smokiness and an evergreen quality that nods vaguely at dill. Well-rounded and engaging, it’s a tempting, mouth-watering whiskey that’s hard to put down and which works perfectly well, even at full strength. Add some water if you’d like, but then you’ve basically got yourself a glass of Woodford. - drinkhacker.com

...A real treat on the nose, this brings cherry-dipped vanilla soft serve, Funfetti birthday cake, strawberries and cream, frosted strawberry Pop Tart, and strawberry milk. Red Hots are front and center on the palate, though time and water bring out more red fruit: cherry cough drop, raspberry preserves, and red pepper jelly. Chocolate-covered chiles and a crack of white pepper ensure the heat lingers throughout the lengthy cinnamon-spiced finish. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com