WOODFORD RESERVE RELEASES ITS FIRST HIGH-PROOF RYE: BARREL STRENGTH RYE

 

OCTOBER 2, 2025 (VERSAILLES, KY) — Today Woodford Reserve announced a new limited-edition bottle: Barrel Strength Rye.

To craft this new expression, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall used a pre-prohibition style mash bill of 53% rye, the same mash bill as Woodford Reserve Rye, but bottled it at the strength of the collective batch of barrels: 125.1

“Barrel Strength Rye honors the legacy of America’s original rye whiskeys, where spice and tobacco take the lead, layered with notes of fruit, floral, and subtle sweetness,” McCall said. “But rather than presenting the standard 90.4 proof for which Woodford is known, this high-proof expression brings more pronounced spice notes.”

This release has an MSRP of $129.99 for a 700ml bottle, available nationwide and at Woodford Reserve Distillery. It is also available for shipping (to KY, NH, ND, NE and Washington D.C only) in the brand’s online store as shop.woodfordreserve.com. For more information visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

 

Tasting Notes

Color: Orange Marmalade.

Aroma: Pepper, clove, nutmeg, rich toasted oak and vanilla

bean dusted with delicate orange oils.

Taste: Juicy orange and bold baking spice of clove and nutmeg

with hints of leather and tobacco.

Finish: Long with citrus and unsweetened tea.

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About Woodford Reserve:

Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Our portfolio of premium brands includes the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. With a team of approximately 5,400 employees worldwide, we proudly share our passion for premium beverages in more than 170 countries. Discover more about us at brown-forman.com and stay connected through LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

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Bourbinsane Breakdown

Woodford Reserve has always leaned into refinement and balance, but this new Barrel Strength Rye feels like a big step toward boldness. At 125.1 proof, it’s a serious jump from their standard 90.4 proof rye, and for a brand known for its polished flavor profile, I think this release is going to surprise a lot of people. The 53% rye mash bill may not scream “high rye,” but combined with the higher proof, we should see those classic rye spices—clove, nutmeg, black pepper—turned way up. Add in the notes of citrus, leather, and tobacco, and this sounds like a pour with some real depth.

What excites me most is the way Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall is positioning this as a nod to pre-Prohibition rye—bigger, spicier, more rustic. Rye whiskey lovers have been craving more barrel strength options, and Woodford stepping into that arena adds serious weight to the category. At an MSRP of $129.99, it’s certainly positioned as a premium bottle, and while that’s not cheap, the limited-edition nature and nationwide distribution will make it a must-try for collectors and rye fans alike.

Overall, this release has the potential to deliver a more intense, full-bodied experience than we’re used to from Woodford, and that makes it an exciting addition to the growing barrel proof rye landscape. Personally, I can’t wait to see if it lives up to the promise of bold spice and long, complex finish.