Woodford Reserve, a name synonymous with rich, smooth bourbon, has just dropped a game-changer in the whiskey world. The Kentucky distillery, nestled in the heart of Versailles, has unveiled its first-ever American Single Malt Whiskey, a 12-year-old expression that’s part of its experimental Distillery Series. This isn’t just another bottle on the shelf—it’s a statement. Crafted with care, this whiskey is poised to carve out a new niche for bourbon lovers and single malt enthusiasts alike. With Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall at the helm, Woodford Reserve is pushing boundaries, proving that American whiskey can hold its own in the single malt arena.
This new release is a departure from Woodford’s traditional bourbon roots. Unlike their flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon or the rye and malt whiskeys in their core lineup, this American Single Malt is made from a mashbill of 100% malted barley. It’s a bold choice, one that aligns with the growing popularity of American single malts, a category that’s been bubbling under the surface for decades but only recently earned an official designation from the TTB in December 2024. While bourbon must age in new charred oak barrels, single malts can use either new or used barrels, giving distillers like McCall the freedom to experiment. For this release, Woodford opted for used whiskey barrels, aging the spirit for a minimum of 12 years—a rarity in a category where most expressions hover between five and 10 years.
Elizabeth McCall, Woodford’s Master Distiller, didn’t rush this one. She deliberately held back these barrels for over a decade, letting time work its magic to unlock a depth of flavor that’s both nuanced and robust. “I’m excited to release this 12-year-old American Single Malt, a whiskey that proves just how essential long aging in used barrels is for unlocking its full flavor potential,” McCall said in a recent statement. She emphasized the whiskey’s lighter color and complex profile, a testament to the patience and craftsmanship behind it. Unlike the heavy oak influence of bourbon, the used barrels allow the malted barley to shine, delivering a whiskey that’s distinct yet approachable for those who love Woodford’s classic offerings.
The production process is just as thoughtful. The whiskey is triple pot distilled, a method that refines the spirit and adds a layer of sophistication. Woodford’s proprietary yeast strain also sets it apart, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from other American single malts, including those from Brown-Forman’s sister brand, Jack Daniel’s. “The way we make our whiskey is very different from Jack Daniel’s,” McCall explained. “Our expression uses our proprietary yeast strain, is triple pot distilled, and aged in used bourbon barrels. I’m really excited for our fans to get a taste of this beautiful expression.” This individuality ensures that Woodford’s single malt stands on its own, not just as a cousin to other Brown-Forman products but as a trailblazer in its own right.
So, what does this whiskey taste like? Picture a burnt orange hue in the glass, catching the light with a warm glow. On the nose, it’s an inviting mix of soft caramel, sun tea, and ripe pear, with subtle hints of lemon, ginger, and cardamom adding a touch of spice. Take a sip, and the palate unfolds with sweet nutty malt and caramel, followed by notes of sun tea spiked with clove and a bright squeeze of lemon. The finish is long and lingering, leaving traces of sun tea and lemon oil that keep you coming back for more. At 90.4 proof, it’s bottled at the same strength as Woodford’s bourbon, offering a familiar warmth but with a flavor profile that’s distinctly its own.
This whiskey is part of Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series, a lineup designed to push creative boundaries while staying true to the distillery’s commitment to quality. Past releases, like the Tawny Port Finish and Chocolate Whisper Redux, have showcased Woodford’s willingness to experiment, but this 12-year-old single malt feels like a milestone. It’s not just about trying something new—it’s about redefining what American single malt can be. McCall believes bourbon drinkers will embrace it, noting that they’re already curious about exploring the broader American whiskey landscape. “As a bourbon drinker myself, I am excited to see how American whiskey makers develop a unique ASM flavor profile,” she shared.
Availability, however, is limited. The 12-Year-Old American Single Malt comes in 375ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $99.99. Starting August 14, 2025, it hit shelves at select Kentucky retailers and the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles. For those outside the Bluegrass State, online ordering is available through the distillery’s website, shop.woodfordreserve.com, with shipping restricted to Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington, D.C. Given its limited release, these bottles are likely to become collector’s items, with some already predicting they’ll pop up on the secondary market at a premium. For now, fans can also explore other Woodford expressions, like the luxurious Baccarat Edition or the widely available Double Double Oaked, at retailers like ReserveBar.
Woodford Reserve, owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, has been crafting exceptional spirits for over 150 years, with a portfolio that includes household names like Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, and Herradura. The distillery itself, a National Historic Landmark, has been producing whiskey since 1812, blending history with innovation. This new single malt is a testament to that legacy, showing that Woodford isn’t content to rest on its bourbon laurels. Instead, it’s staking a claim in the evolving world of American single malt, a category that’s gaining traction as more distilleries explore its potential.
For whiskey enthusiasts, this release is a chance to taste something truly special—a 12-year-old single malt that balances tradition with bold experimentation. Whether you’re a bourbon loyalist or a single malt aficionado, Woodford’s latest offering invites you to savor the craft, sip by sip. Grab a bottle if you can, because this one’s not just a drink—it’s a piece of whiskey history in the making.
