WOODFORD RESERVE RELEASES NEW DISTILLERY SERIES: TAWNY PORT FINISH

MAY 20, 2025 (VERSAILLES, KY) — Today, Woodford Reserve releases a new limited-edition bottle as part of its Distillery Series – Tawny Port Finish.

To craft this new expression, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall combines a rye and bourbon blend with bourbon finished in Tawny Port barrels, which accentuates the fruit character in the whiskey. This is then balanced by additional bourbon to create a whiskey that is decadent and complex.

“This expression highlights our ability to artfully blend rye and bourbon whiskey, as well our approach to barrel experimentation,” said McCall. “The Tawny Port barrels impart delicate notes of wood and concentrated fruit, which combined with the charred oak barrels, allow us to create a rich, layered whiskey.”

Tawny Port Finish is 90.4 proof and is part of Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series, which was created to push Woodford Reserve’s creative boundaries and introduce new expressions to the market.

This limited-edition collection has an MSRP of $64.99 for a 375ml bottle and is available in limited quantities at select Kentucky retailers and at Woodford Reserve Distillery starting on May 20th. 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 on the Distillery Series and Woodford Reserve’s portfolio visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark Amber Aroma

Aroma: Brown sugar, semi-sweet chocolates, nutmeg, and clove layered over notes of overripe bananas and dried dark fruits.

Flavor:   Rich raisin, plumb, clove, and nutmeg, with hints of brown sugar sweetness and toasted walnut.

Finish:   Long with lingering notes of dried fruit and toasted nuts.

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.

Woodford Reserve’s upcoming Tawny Port Finish release has definitely caught my attention, and I’ll be diving into a full review soon. Anytime Woodford pushes boundaries with their Distillery Series, I’m intrigued, and this one sounds particularly decadent. Blending rye and bourbon with a port-finished bourbon base isn’t something you see often, and I’m curious to see how that interplay of spice, sweetness, and rich fruit unfolds in the glass. The use of Tawny Port barrels is especially exciting—it should add a unique depth and concentrated fruit profile that could really elevate the traditional Woodford character. At 90.4 proof, I’m hopeful it delivers a nice balance of complexity without sacrificing richness. The tasting notes already have me anticipating layers of raisin, plum, baking spices, and toasted nuts—flavors that, if integrated well, could make this one of the standout releases in the series. At $64.99 for a 375ml, it’s not a cheap pour, but if it lives up to the promise of being both refined and experimental, it could be a worthwhile buy for whiskey lovers who enjoy nuanced, dessert-like finishes. Stay tuned for my full tasting review coming soon—I’m eager to see if this one delivers the complexity and richness the specs suggest.