Since I’ve got nothing better to do at the moment than take a deep nosedive into the numerous private bourbon groups online, I’ve known about the new Woodford Reserve Distillery Series release, Five Wood, for about a month now.
The little bottles have been popping up on liquor store shelves, and the ravenous whiskey warriors (myself included) have been snatching them up quicker than Lysol wipes.
But alas, I received an official press release from the Woodford folks today about the product, and I truly can’t wait to try it.
Five Wood!
As you know, the Distillery Series is an experimental line of bourbons and whiskeys from Woodford Master Distiller Chris Morris that is released a few times a year. The infamous Double Double Oaked is part of that series, and it’s the only one to this day that continues to be released once a year.
The others are one-off concepts Morris has tinkered with in his mad scientist laboratory, like the Five Wood. So where does the name come from?
Well, basically, Morris took some mature Woodford Reserve bourbon (which is aged in oak barrels), then finished that juice in four other barrels: an Oloroso Sherry barrel, an Amontillado Sherry barrel, a Ruby Port barrel, and a Tawny Port barrel.
I’m no math wiz, but those four barrels + the original oak barrel = Five Wood.
“This is the first time in Woodford Reserve’s history that we’ve blended whiskeys that have been finished in five different barrels,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris in the press release. “The result is a rich taste and a bright finish.”
The finishing process is nothing new in the bourbon world, as many brands have similar experiments on the market, including Angel’s Envy, which is based strictly on finishing straight Kentucky bourbon in sherry casks. But, as Morris noted, it is a new concept for Woodford — as far as the number of different barrels it is finishing its bourbon in.
I have not yet tasted the Five Wood, but I plan on doing that ASAP. I cannot confirm nor deny I own a bottle, but you better believe I’ll be posting the tasting notes once I get a taste!
Until then, Morris has shared his tasting notes with me:
Woodford Reserve Distillery Series – Five Wood Taste Notes
Color: Deep Black Cherrywood
Aroma: An intense medley of rich blackberry, dark cherry, dates, raisin, prune and red fruit
reduction notes sweetened with Damara sugar and caramel-coated walnuts. Dark
leather, oak and black licorice spice develop slowly.
Taste: Rich dark chocolate and espresso coffee caramel icing coated with a raspberry and cherry reduction.
Finish: Long, mouthwatering rich red fruit brightened with a drop of orange oil
Five Wood is now available to purchase online and pick up from the distillery every Friday. It retails for $49.99 for a 375 ml bottle.
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Buffalo Trace reopens July 1
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is a beautiful experience. | Courtesy of Buffalo Trace
Slowly but surely, Kentucky distilleries are opening up for public tours. Included in the early bunch are Evan Williams, Heaven Hill, Barton 1792, Copper & Kings, Wilderness Trail, Bardstown Bourbon Co. and a few others. Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Ky., is the latest to announce its opening date, which is Wednesday, July 1.
Of course with COVID-19 measures in place, things will be slightly different in this new time, including smaller tours, advance registration, and limited access to distillery operations.
According to a news release, Buffalo Trace is opening its newly expanded Visitor Center, which triples the size of the original and will allow ample space for the Gift Shop and new expansive tasting rooms.
“We are taking every step we can to address the health, safety and comfort of our guests to ensure the best experience possible,” said Homeplace Development Director Meredith Moody in the release. “Our goal is to create a safe haven for all visitors while providing the same rich history and experiences for which we’re known. We can’t wait to reopen to the public and show guests our expanded Visitor Center and tasting rooms.”
There’s a short list of guidelines for those looking to tour the distillery starting July 1:
- Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
- Advance registration required online.
- Access to grounds and the playground only available to registered visitors.
- New safety and sanitation protocols in place, including guests must wear face masks.
- All tours remain free.