Woodford Reserve Malt Whiskey (750Ml)

Woodford Reserve Malt Whiskey is a Kentucky straight malt whiskey made with bourbon fans in mind. At least 51% of the mash is malted barley. The rest is corn and a little rye. Like the brand's bourbon, it ages in new charred oak barrels at the old stone distillery in Versailles, Kentucky.

The idea comes from Kentucky's malt whiskeys of the years before Prohibition. Malt was one of the four straight whiskey styles approved after repeal. Woodford brought this recipe back in 2018 as the fourth bottle in its core range. It is bottled at 90.4 proof.

In the glass it has a warm umber color. Bring it to your nose and you'll find nutty notes with light caramel and milk chocolate. Apple, dried fruit and a touch of tropical fruit sit underneath. Brown spice, a little mint, brown sugar and toasted oak fill in the rest.

Your first sip brings dark chocolate and caramel-coated nuts. A dusting of cocoa and brown spice keeps the sweetness in check. Bright fruit, a trace of toasted coconut and lively oak add interest. The finish is nutty and gently sweet, with a chocolate malt note that stays with you.

Pour it neat, or add a few drops of water and see what opens up. It also makes a rich, chocolatey Old Fashioned. Dark chocolate, smoked nuts, aged cheddar and grilled steak are easy matches.

Woodford's own team called it a malt for people who don't really enjoy Scotch. Bourbon lovers curious about malt will find a friendly start here. It earned an Excellent, Highly Recommend rating at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.