Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Classic Malt Whiskey (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

An unusual triple distilled 100% malt whiskey from Woodfords, a distiller better known for their Bourbon and Rye whiskies. This was aged in x-bourbon barrels as opposed to virgin oak.

Tasting note: Bright straw gold. Relatively subdued aroma includes grain-store, haystack and dilute cocoa following through to a concentrated yet lean, grassy and acidic profile with breakfast cereal undertones; briefly sweet, the tingly spirit carries the flavours to a flaccid conclusion of stale cereal and dried grass. Kind of resembles Lowland Scotch but not in a particularly flattering way. Pass.45.2% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Two malts: same distillation run, same proof, but this one was aged in used bourbon barrels. The color is much lighter than the new barrel bottling (also reviewed this issue), a pale straw. Nose is delicate, notes of haymow planks, clover honey, fresh grain, and sweet orange peel. Somewhat pedestrian on the palate: sweet malt, dried hay, more citrus, and a touch of pepper, with a somewhat bitter finish. No real flaws, but no excitement either. Disappointing. 82 points
- www.maltadvocate.com, (Spring 2014) Reviewed by: Lew Bryson

Oyster shell/dusty yellow color; minor floating debris. Assertive fibrous, flaxen/textile, kernel-like opening aroma that highlights wax paper, grass seedhead; later sniffs detect desert dry scents that do not deviate from first impressions. Better in mouth than in nose, this oddball whiskey offers a biscuity entry, then features ungainly flax/textile notes that are harsh and unpleasant. A messed up experiment that shouldn’t have been released to the public. - http://www.spiritjournal.com/