Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL

Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL

Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Brandy Casks | 45.2% ABV | 90.4 Proof | 750mL | Kentucky, USA | 2016 Limited Edition | Nearly 2 Years of American Brandy Cask Finishing | No Age Statement

Process & Profile

Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL is a rare, limited-edition release that showcases the remarkable influence of extended secondary barrel maturation. Introduced in November 2016 as the 11th installment in Woodford Reserve's prestigious Master's Collection, this distinctive expression was developed by Master Distiller Chris Morris to explore how American brandy casks could enhance the bourbon's naturally rich fruit, spice, and vanilla characteristics.

The production process begins with fully matured Woodford Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon, traditionally aged in new charred American oak barrels. The whiskey is then transferred into previously used American brandy casks for nearly two additional years, an unusually lengthy finishing period that allows the spirit to develop deeper layers of dried fruit, caramel, chocolate, and toasted nuts.

Unlike conventional bourbon maturation, the secondary brandy casks introduce a different barrel influence, emphasizing the whiskey's existing fruit-forward characteristics while adding richness and complexity. The resulting expression delivers an elegant combination of dark raisins, dried cranberries, maple syrup, toasted hazelnuts, and delicate wood spices.

Bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask Finish offers a beautifully balanced sipping experience with a smooth, layered palate and a long, warming finish. As one of the earlier experimental releases in the Master's Collection, this 2016 edition remains a distinctive addition to collections of rare Woodford Reserve whiskey.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Warm red ochre with deep amber and copper highlights.

• Nose: A rich and inviting medley of chocolate, maple syrup, and caramel drizzled over toasted hazelnuts. Dark raisins and dried cranberries introduce concentrated fruit sweetness, while soft oak and delicate spice notes provide depth and balance.

• Palate: Smooth, rich, and beautifully layered, featuring toffee-coated dried fruits and toasted hazelnuts. Sweet caramel and rich fruit flavors develop alongside delicate wood spices, creating a harmonious balance between traditional bourbon character and the influence of American brandy casks.

• Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying, with lingering caramel sweetness, gentle oak, and subtle spice. The rich fruit and nut characteristics gradually fade, leaving a smooth and elegant conclusion.

What Makes It Special

• 2016 Limited Edition Release: The 11th installment in Woodford Reserve's prestigious Master's Collection, released in November 2016 under Master Distiller Chris Morris.

• Nearly Two Years of Brandy Cask Finishing: Fully matured Woodford Reserve bourbon undergoes an additional finishing period in used American brandy barrels, developing exceptional depth and complexity.

• Innovative American Brandy Cask Maturation: One of the most distinctive barrel-finishing experiments in the Master's Collection, emphasizing the relationship between bourbon and brandy cask characteristics.

• 90.4 Proof Bottling: Presented at 45.2% ABV, offering a smooth, approachable strength that allows the whiskey's intricate fruit, nut, and spice flavors to shine.

• Rich Dried Fruit Character: Features concentrated notes of dark raisins, dried cranberries, caramel, maple syrup, and chocolate, enhanced by the extended brandy barrel finishing process.

• Distinctive Toasted Nut Profile: Toasted hazelnuts and toffee add richness and complexity, complementing the whiskey's naturally sweet bourbon foundation.

• Master Distiller Chris Morris Creation: Developed as part of Woodford Reserve's ongoing exploration of barrel finishing and its influence on American whiskey.

• Collectible Master's Collection Release: A historic limited-edition expression that offers enthusiasts an opportunity to explore an innovative chapter in Woodford Reserve's whiskey-making history.

How to Enjoy

Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass or premium whiskey snifter to appreciate its rich aromas and distinctive barrel-finished character.

Allow the whiskey several minutes to rest after pouring, giving the concentrated notes of chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, maple syrup, and dried fruits time to develop. Sip slowly to experience the interplay between traditional bourbon sweetness and the deeper fruit characteristics introduced by the American brandy casks.

For a slightly chilled experience, serve over a single large ice cube to gently soften the whiskey while preserving its layered flavor profile. This expression also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and dried fruit, complementing its rich caramel and toasted hazelnut characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish?

Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish is a limited-edition American whiskey released as the 11th installment in the Master's Collection. Created by Master Distiller Chris Morris, it begins as fully matured Kentucky straight bourbon before undergoing nearly two additional years of finishing in American brandy casks.

2. What is the proof and alcohol content of Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask Finish 2016?

Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish is bottled at 90.4 proof, equivalent to 45.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Its moderate bottling strength highlights the balance between rich bourbon sweetness, dried fruit, and subtle oak spice.

3. How long was Woodford Reserve 2016 Brandy Cask Finish aged?

The whiskey begins as fully matured Woodford Reserve bourbon before spending nearly two additional years in previously used American brandy casks. The release does not carry an official total age statement, but its extended secondary maturation plays a significant role in developing its distinctive flavor profile.

4. What makes Woodford Reserve 2016 Brandy Cask Finish different from regular Woodford Reserve Bourbon?

Unlike standard Woodford Reserve Bourbon, the 2016 Brandy Cask Finish undergoes an extended finishing period in American brandy barrels. This additional maturation enhances the whiskey's dried fruit, caramel, chocolate, and toasted nut characteristics, creating a more pronounced fruit-forward profile. Because of the used-brandy-cask finishing process, the final product is technically classified as a finished whiskey rather than straight bourbon.

5. Where can I buy Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL?

You can buy Woodford Reserve 2016 Master's Collection Brandy Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL directly from The Barrel Tap, your destination for rare Woodford Reserve releases, limited-edition bourbon, and collectible American whiskey.