Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select

Hi guys, hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far. Today I've chosen to review one of my "go-to" bourbons, Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select. This is batch 832, bottle 8802. No age statement on the label; bottled at 45.2% ABV. Woodford Reserve is produced by Labrot & Graham (Brown-Forman). Distiller's Select has a Mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

Color: Solid Amber

Nose: A young and flirtatious nose. Maple syrup jumps out of the glass along with notes of brown sugar, cherries, dried fruit and bubblegum. After some time I'm able to pick up vanilla and banana. A soft, leathery oak spice is also present.

Taste: Cherries, citrus, brown sugar, and maple initially coat the tongue with a nice chewy mouthfeel. Cinnamon, toffee, and pepper spark my palate. Tannin and oak have a strong influence here but balance the sweeter notes.

Finish: A medium, smooth finish with no burn. Tobacco, burnt sugars, and oak linger.

Conclusion: This is a very good bourbon; drinkable neat yet also makes for an awesome cocktail.  The deep flavors create the pleasant flavor profile that can turn a first time bourbon drinker into an enthusiast. I often order Woodford Reserve when I'm out at a bar as it's something that is always available and comes at a reasonable price tag.

Rating: B+ (Very Good)