Woodford Honey Barrel Finish celebrates local agriculture in every bottle

While the run for the roses might have many people pouring a glass of Woodford Reserve, a new offering in its Distillery Series has a local sweetness. The new Woodford Honey Barrel Finish has many bourbon drinkers buzzing with delight.

Looking at Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series, these special offerings look to push the creativity boundaries. For Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, the limited-edition offerings blend the iconic bourbon with flavor innovation. Without losing its character, many people seek out these special bottles to add to their liquor collection.

For the latest offering in the Distillery Series, Woodford Reserve looked to highlight how the bourbon barrel’s versatility adds to the liquor’s flavor. In particular, these barrels were used to age honey.

According to Master Distiller Chris Morris, “One of the best parts of my job is being able to experiment with new ways of making Woodford Reserve. It’s been rewarding to work with a honey producer here in Woodford County to create this unique Distillery Series expression and support local business and agriculture.”

Local honey is a sweet expression of the area. The flora and fauna influence its flavors. Add to that nuance, the addition of the bourbon barrel layer, the local honey is a celebration of Woodford County, Kentucky.

When bourbon drinkers enjoy this expression, the first thing that they will notice is the color. It mimics raw honey. Once the bottle is opened, the florals appear. With fragrant honeysuckle and bright lemon peel, it invites that first sip. Even with a touch of spicy clove, the layers are intriguing.

Once poured, the honey influence on the flavor is clear. While there is a toasted oak, it is the baking spices that round out the flavor. Without being sweet, the honey makes the bourbon approachable to a wider audience.

Whether served neat, over ice or with a lemon twist, the Woodford Honey Barrel Finish is quite enjoyable and a lovely addition to a bourbon collection. It is available at the Woodford Reserve Distillery’s gift shop as well as select Kentucky retailers. The suggested retail price is $59.99.