Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Catalogue Preview
A 2022 Master’s Collection bourbon, made with a historic 100 proof barrel entry and bottled at 90.4 proof.
Overview
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry is part of the Master’s Collection, released in 2022 as Series Number 18. Produced at Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, it draws on early bourbon production practices from the 1830s, when the Woodford County distillery site was associated with practices that helped shape the bourbon category.
This release was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, using newly distilled whiskey entered into barrel at 100 proof.
The Spirit
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 90.4 proof, or 45.2% ABV. Its point of distinction is the lower barrel entry proof of the new make spirit, a production variable that plays an important role in maturation and has changed across bourbon’s history.
The whiskey presents a deep russet orange appearance. The profile carries vanilla bean, dried apple, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, cocoa, roasted coffee, hazelnut, dark cherry, plum and spearmint on the nose. The palate moves into toasted oak, overripe banana, cooked berry fruit, leather, coffee, baking spice and mint dark chocolate, finishing with charred oak, leather and orange oil.
Why It Matters
Historic Barrel Entry is significant because it examines barrel entry proof as a historical and technical lever in bourbon maturation. Rather than focusing on age statement or finishing cask, the release looks at how whiskey entered into barrel at 100 proof interacts with oak over time.
Its relevance lies in the relationship between Woodford Reserve’s modern bourbon-making framework and older production settings, using the Master’s Collection format to explore a specific maturation variable with clear historical grounding.
Serving & Context
Best approached neat initially, with time in the glass to allow the oak, spice, fruit and leather notes to settle. At 45.2% ABV, water should be used only lightly, as the bottling proof is already measured and the structure is not especially high strength.
Availability Note
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry was released as the 2022 Master’s Collection bottling and is no longer part of the standard year-round range. Remaining examples generally circulate through specialist whiskey merchants, private cellars and secondary-market channels
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry Whisky Sour
Ingredients
60ml Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry
30ml fresh lemon juice
20ml sugar syrup
1 egg white, optional
Ice
Lemon twist or cherry, to garnish
Method
Add the whisky, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white to a shaker.
Shake first without ice for around 10 seconds if using egg white.
Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, or serve up in a coupe.
Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Why it works with this bottle
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry has vanilla, dried apple, oak, baking spice and orange oil notes, which sit naturally against the lemon and sugar syrup. Keep the recipe classic and not too sweet so the bourbon still carries through.
Catalogue Preview
A 2022 Master’s Collection bourbon, made with a historic 100 proof barrel entry and bottled at 90.4 proof.
Overview
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry is part of the Master’s Collection, released in 2022 as Series Number 18. Produced at Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, it draws on early bourbon production practices from the 1830s, when the Woodford County distillery site was associated with practices that helped shape the bourbon category.
This release was created by Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, using newly distilled whiskey entered into barrel at 100 proof.
The Spirit
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 90.4 proof, or 45.2% ABV. Its point of distinction is the lower barrel entry proof of the new make spirit, a production variable that plays an important role in maturation and has changed across bourbon’s history.
The whiskey presents a deep russet orange appearance. The profile carries vanilla bean, dried apple, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, cocoa, roasted coffee, hazelnut, dark cherry, plum and spearmint on the nose. The palate moves into toasted oak, overripe banana, cooked berry fruit, leather, coffee, baking spice and mint dark chocolate, finishing with charred oak, leather and orange oil.
Why It Matters
Historic Barrel Entry is significant because it examines barrel entry proof as a historical and technical lever in bourbon maturation. Rather than focusing on age statement or finishing cask, the release looks at how whiskey entered into barrel at 100 proof interacts with oak over time.
Its relevance lies in the relationship between Woodford Reserve’s modern bourbon-making framework and older production settings, using the Master’s Collection format to explore a specific maturation variable with clear historical grounding.
Serving & Context
Best approached neat initially, with time in the glass to allow the oak, spice, fruit and leather notes to settle. At 45.2% ABV, water should be used only lightly, as the bottling proof is already measured and the structure is not especially high strength.
Availability Note
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry was released as the 2022 Master’s Collection bottling and is no longer part of the standard year-round range. Remaining examples generally circulate through specialist whiskey merchants, private cellars and secondary-market channels
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry Whisky Sour
Ingredients
60ml Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry
30ml fresh lemon juice
20ml sugar syrup
1 egg white, optional
Ice
Lemon twist or cherry, to garnish
Method
Add the whisky, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white to a shaker.
Shake first without ice for around 10 seconds if using egg white.
Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, or serve up in a coupe.
Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Why it works with this bottle
Woodford Reserve Historic Barrel Entry has vanilla, dried apple, oak, baking spice and orange oil notes, which sit naturally against the lemon and sugar syrup. Keep the recipe classic and not too sweet so the bourbon still carries through.
