September26, 2017, Louisville, KY — Woodford Reserve announces the twelfth release of its limited edition Master’s Collection — Cherry Wood Smoked Barley — which will hit shelves this November. The new release marries the brand’s innovation with the industry’s historic roots by paying tribute to the craftsmanship and vision of past distillery industry leaders Oscar Pepper and James Crow.

The Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Cherry Wood Smoked Barley was conceptualized and created by Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. Rather than using natural malted barley, which is used in Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Chris modified the grain recipe by selecting malt that had been smoked with cherry wood during the kilning process. This accentuated the bourbon’s toasted nut characteristics and produced a rich smoked almond flavor.

This is one of the first Kentucky Bourbons to use malted barley that has been exposed to cherry wood smoke. With 30% malt content, the Cherry Wood Smoked mash bill has a higher concentration of malt than a traditional bourbon.

“We started this many years ago when we first established a bourbon recipe that contained a high percentage of smoked barley,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris. “By following our five sources of flavor philosophy, one dramatic change can have a tremendous impact on the flavor. In this case, a bourbon with a high malt recipe that has been smoked with cherry wood results in a bourbon unlike any other.”

Cherry Wood Smoked Barley will be available for purchase in select markets within the United States and in limited international markets beginning in November with a suggested retail price of $99.99 (varying by market) for a 750ml bottle presented at 90.4 proof.

Originally introduced in 2006, the Master’s Collection has become an acclaimed addition to the Woodford Reserve portfolio, with the Collection gaining its inspiration from the tradition and rich heritage that today surrounds the historic distillery. Though individually unique, each Master’s Collection release encompasses the distillery’s one-of-a-kind production capabilities, combined with Woodford Reserve’s focus on contemporary style and sophistication.

Tasting Notes for Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Cherry Wood Smoked Barley

Color: Rich amber
Aroma: A complex mingling of deep caramel, brown sugar and dark chocolate covered in a layer of cherry jam and nutty crumbles dusted with wood spice.
Flavor: Intense smoked almond and malt character sweetened with a cherry pie filling and a touch of caramel.
Finish: Long smoked almond notes fade into a rich cherry fruit jam.