Woodford Reserve Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Introduction to Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is located in Versailles, just outside Lexington. This historic site was originally founded by Elijah Pepper in 1812 and has changed ownership multiple times over the years.

Woodford Reserve prides itself on preserving tradition while also embracing innovation. They are committed to using only the highest quality ingredients and following strict production methods to create their bourbons. The distillery is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its significance in shaping American whiskey culture.

Visitors can take a tour of Woodford Reserve’s picturesque grounds and learn about every step of their artisanal process, from milling grains to bottling finished products. The tours also include tastings where you can sample some of their signature bourbons such as Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select or Double Oaked Bourbons.

Aside from its traditional methods, what sets Woodford Reserve apart is their commitment to innovation. In recent years, they have introduced new expressions such as their malt whiskey line and even experimented with different barrel finishes like cherry wood or maplewood casks.

History of Woodford Reserve Distillery

The history of Woodford Reserve Distillery dates back to 1812 when it was originally founded by Elijah Pepper. The distillery sits in Versailles, Kentucky. Labrot and Graham took the distillery over in 1878. Brown-Forman bought it in 1941, sold it in the late 1960s, bought it back in 1993 and restored it, and launched the Woodford Reserve brand in 1996.

Elijah Pepper’s son Oscar hired Dr. James Crow, who is credited with standardizing the sour mash process that defines modern bourbon production. That method is still practiced at Woodford Reserve today.

Woodford Reserve has become a leader in the bourbon industry, known for its flavor profile and commitment to craftsmanship. In 2000, the distillery was designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significant contribution to American whiskey making.

Today, Woodford Reserve continues to honor its heritage while also embracing innovation. It is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional bourbon making while still adhering to the core principles established by Elijah Pepper over 200 years ago.

Features and Techniques used by Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a renowned bourbon brand on a site with more than 200 years of distilling history. It’s no surprise that it has developed distinct features and techniques to create its signature flavor profile. Here is what sets Woodford Reserve apart from other bourbons.

• Triple Distillation Process: One of the most significant factors that contribute to the smoothness and complexity of Woodford Reserve is its triple distillation process. Unlike traditional bourbon production, which involves only two rounds of distillation, Woodford Reserve goes through an additional third round. This extra distillation step refines the spirit even further and helps remove any impurities, resulting in a clean and well-rounded taste.

• Use of Copper Pot Stills: Another key aspect of Woodford Reserve’s production process is its use of copper pot stills for distillation. These stills are known for their ability to produce more flavorful spirits by allowing just the right amount of contact between the alcohol vapors and copper surfaces. The result is a smoother and more refined product.

• Small Batch Production: Unlike other mass-produced bourbons, Woodford Reserve takes pride in its small-batch production approach. This means that each batch consists of only a limited number of barrels hand-selected for their exceptional quality and flavor profiles. This attention to detail ensures consistency in taste while allowing slight variations between batches.

Woodford Reserve’s features and techniques set it apart from other bourbons in the market. From its triple distillation process and use of copper pot stills to its small-batch production approach, every step of their production process is carefully crafted to create a one-of-a-kind bourbon that has stood the test of time.

Tasting Experience at Woodford Reserve

At Woodford Reserve, visitors can book a guided tasting. From the moment you step into the distillery, you are greeted with the rich aromas of bourbon and the warm hospitality of the staff.

The tour begins with a guided walk through the historic distillery where you will learn about the history of Woodford Reserve and its place in Kentucky’s bourbon industry. You will also have the opportunity to see firsthand how every bottle of Woodford Reserve is crafted with care and precision.

After the informative tour, it’s time for the main event: a tasting session in one of Woodford Reserve’s beautifully designed tasting rooms. Each room is elegantly decorated with wooden accents and cozy seating areas, creating a welcoming atmosphere that complements the whiskey perfectly.

During the tasting, guests are guided through a selection of Woodford Reserve bourbons, each showcasing different flavors and characteristics. The knowledgeable staff will take you through each step of how to properly taste bourbon, from examining its color and aroma to savoring its complex flavors on your palate.

As you sip on each carefully handcrafted pour, you’ll learn about what makes Woodford Reserve stand out from other bourbons. From their triple-distillation process to their use of traditional copper pot stills, your guide explains each one.

But it’s not just about learning. It’s also about experiencing. With each sip, you’ll be transported into a world where tradition meets innovation, where centuries-old techniques coexist with modern advancements to create an exceptional spirit.

As your tasting comes to an end, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into every bottle of Woodford Reserve. And with a gift shop on site, you can take home your favorite bourbon or merchandise to continue the experience at home.

The tasting experience at Woodford Reserve is a must-do for any whiskey enthusiast. It’s an opportunity to taste bourbon in a beautiful setting while learning its history and production process.

Behind the Scenes: Tour of the Distillery

The Woodford Reserve Distillery, located in the heart of Kentucky’s scenic Bluegrass region, is a place where tradition and innovation come together to craft some of the world’s finest bourbon. While the end product may be what we all know and love, there is an entire world behind the scenes at the distillery that many people may not know about.

A tour of the Woodford Reserve Distillery takes visitors on a journey through time, showing the history and the production steps. The tour begins with a walk through the historic distillery building. From its limestone walls to its copper pot stills, every aspect of this building exudes a sense of old-world charm.

As you continue on your tour, you’ll see the fermentation room, where the mash ferments before distillation. Each stage of the process contributes to Woodford Reserve’s signature flavor profile.

One of the highlights of the tour is undoubtedly getting an up-close look at their iconic copper pot stills. These massive vessels are responsible for transforming mash into alcohol through a process known as distillation.

The final stop on the tour brings you to a warehouse of aging barrels filled with maturing bourbon. Here, visitors can witness first-hand the impact that time and environment have on bourbon as it ages. The distinct aromas and flavors that develop within these barrels come from years in the barrel and the distillers' choices along the way.

A tour of the Woodford Reserve Distillery takes you behind the scenes, from fermenters to the rickhouse. Most first-time visitors put it on their list, and the tour shows the tradition and the newer methods that go into each bottle of Woodford Reserve.

Innovation in Bourbon Making: Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series

Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series is a line of limited releases.

The series consists of limited-edition releases that showcase different aspects of the distillation process. Each release focuses on a specific element such as grain selection, fermentation techniques or barrel aging, all of which contribute to the complex flavors found in Woodford Reserve’s signature bourbon.

One release from the series is “Double Double Oaked”, a further take on Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked bourbon.

The Woodford Reserve Distillery Series is where the brand tries new ideas in small releases. It allows whiskey enthusiasts to experience the complexity and depth of flavors that can be achieved through different techniques and methods.

Where Woodford fits in a tour day

Woodford Reserve is the stop we most often put first on a Lexington day. The drive in from Lexington runs 15 to 20 minutes through Versailles on two-lane roads lined with dry-laid limestone fences and thoroughbred farms, and it sets up the whole day. Buffalo Trace is about 25 minutes from Woodford, and Castle and Key is a short drive, so a Frankfort and Versailles day holds all three. Woodford has no full-service restaurant on site, so we book lunch in Versailles or Lexington, and the meal goes on your tab. Woodford is open seven days a week from March to December and Thursday to Monday in January and February, and every tour needs a reservation, which we make once your tour is confirmed. The Woodford Reserve distillery guide covers the tours and visiting rules in more detail.

Frequently asked questions