SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 (VERSAILLES, KY) — To celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month, Woodford Reserve today releases a new limited-edition bottle as part of its annual Distillery Series – Honey Barrel Finish.

This new product is Woodford Reserve Bourbon finished in barrels that once stored honey.

This expression demonstrates the versatility of a bourbon barrel – and the ability to recycle them for multiple uses.

Woodford Reserve Distillery loaned some of its freshly-dumped bourbon barrels to a local honey bee farmer in Woodford County, Ky. That farmer then aged his honey in the barrels.

The barrels were later returned to Woodford Reserve Distillery where they were refilled with bourbon to create the perfect subtly sweet liquid.

The result is a beautiful raw honey color liquid that features floral and toasty notes including honey suckle, lemon peel, toasted coconut and honey graham cracker.  

“One of the best parts of my job is being able to experiment with new ways of making Woodford Reserve,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “It’s been rewarding to work with a honey producer here in Woodford County to create this unique Distillery Series expression and support local business and agriculture.”

Honey Barrel Finish is part of Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series, which Morris created to push Woodford Reserve’s creative boundaries of whiskeys to the extreme. Each selection is masterminded by Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and is available in limited quantities with a purchase limit of two bottles per person at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and limited Kentucky retailers. There are three annual releases of the Distillery Series.

Tasting Notes

Color: Raw Honey.

Aroma: Floral notes of honeysuckle and lemon peel combine with spicy clove, toasted coconut and honey graham cracker character.

Flavor: Rich raw honey, bold baking spices softened by toasted oak and coconut maltiness.

Finish: Long and Toasty.

Honey Barrel Finish is available in 375ml bottles at 90.4 Proof. It is available for an SRP of $59.99 at the Woodford Reserve Distillery’s gift shop and at select Kentucky retailers. For more information on the Distillery Series and Woodford Reserve’s portfolio visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve, “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us www.woodfordreserve.com  or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.