Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Tawny Port Finish Review

Introduction

Woodford Reserve is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of traditional bourbon through its Distillery Series, and their latest limited release, Tawny Port Finish, is no exception. With a blend of rye and bourbon whiskey that includes bourbon finished in Tawny Port casks, this expression promises rich layers of fruit, spice, and depth.

Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall aimed to showcase the art of blending and barrel experimentation in this release—and with a finishing touch from decadent port wine barrels, expectations are high. But does it live up to the premium price and limited availability?

In this review, I’ll break down what you need to know—from the blend and proof to detailed tasting notes and whether this small-batch bottle deserves a spot in your collection.

Bottle Details:

Type: Blended Whiskey (Rye and Bourbon, including Tawny Port-finished Bourbon)
ABV: 45.2% (90.4 Proof)
Mash Bill: Not disclosed; blend of rye and bourbon whiskeys
Age: NAS (Blend includes bourbon finished in Tawny Port barrels)
Distillation: Woodford Reserve Distillery – Versailles, KY
Price: ~$64.99 (375ml)
Notes:

• Limited release (Distillery Series)
• Available at the distillery, select KY retailers, and via direct shipping (KY, NH, ND, NE, DC)
• Released May 20, 2025
  Awards: No major awards yet, though past Distillery Series releases have been well received

Tasting Notes:

Nose:

Elegant and inviting. Brown sugar leads the way with a rich molasses depth, followed by baking chocolate, nutmeg, and clove. Layers of candied  banana and dried dark fruits—think banana runts meet figs and raisins. This create a dense, fruit-forward aroma that feels more like a dessert than a dram. Subtle hints of toasted oak and walnut drift in the background, grounding the sweeter notes.

Palate:

Velvety and well-balanced on entry. The Tawny Port influence is clear with flavors of plum, raisin, and dried cherries, accented by baking spice—particularly clove and nutmeg. Brown sugar sweetness builds at mid-palate but never overwhelms. A dry note of toasted walnut adds a lovely contrast, preventing this from veering into syrupy territory. There’s complexity here, though not a punchy profile—this is soft-spoken elegance, not brute force.

Finish:

Long and warming with a slow fade. Lingering notes of dried fig, very subtle port wine tannin, and toasted nuts hang on the palate. You’ll catch echoes of almost a chocolate chip cookie sweetness and spice returning with each sip, making this a contemplative slow-sipper, especially for cooler nights.

How Much Would I Pay for Woodford Reserve Tawny Port Finish?

💰 Max Price I Would Pay: $60 (375ml)
I am usually not a major fan of finished bourbons, but this bottle is really good. Bottom line, it’s a smaller bottle at a premium price, but the richness and quality of the finishing justify the experience—especially for fans of finished bourbons or dessert-style pours.

⭐ Star Rating (Out of 5):
⭐ 4/5

🥃 Experience Scale:
“Refined sweetness meets layered spice in a velvet-cloaked pour.”

🥃 Should You Buy Woodford Tawny Port Finish?
Yes, if you’re a fan of finished bourbons, port wine, or want a unique after-dinner dram.
Try before you buy if you prefer dry, oak-forward bourbons or high proof heat.

Is Woodford Reserve Tawny Port Finish Worth It?

For what it sets out to be—a layered, port-finished blend of rye and bourbon—this release succeeds. It’s not meant to compete with barrel-proof bangers or high-rye spice bombs. Instead, it offers an elegant, dessert-friendly pour that still has the structure to hold interest sip after sip.

If you enjoy experimental blends and port-cask finishes, this might be one of Woodford’s most refined Distillery Series entries yet.