Woodford Reserve’s Batch Proof Bourbon is an annual affair, however 2024‘s hit within the early spring — and the following launch was introduced in December 2024. I’m going to go forward and name this the 2025 Batch Proof launch, but it surely’s possible you’ll discover this bottle labeled typically as a 2024 version alongside the precise 2024 model linked above. What would the whiskey world be with out some wholesome confusion?
That’s a great distance of claiming that you simply’ll have to verify the abv on the bottle carefully for those who’re attempting to maintain them straight, and for this launch that’s essential: At 119.5 proof, it’s the second-lowest abv of the gathering because it rolled out in 2018. (Solely the 2022 bottling, at 118.4 proof, is decrease.)
Let’s hearth it up.
2025’s launch initially hits the nostril with aggressive aromas of pushed by the barrel: ample char and anise up high, then notes of sandalwood and unique dried flowers. Fruit is extra elusive than in prior Batch Proof bottlings, although some cherry and spiced raspberry rings the perimeters. With time in glass, the whiskey turns into nuttier, evoking roasted walnuts with a lightweight smoke utilized to them.
Ample tannin kicks off the palate, which comes throughout as instantly austere and surprisingly dense and scorching. The “low” 119.5 proof is deceptive, after all: That is nearly 60% alcohol and it exhibits. Time in glass helps the whiskey develop its flavors extra totally, that are led by a shocking quantity of darkish, pruny fruit and chocolate notes. Secondary flavors of orange peel — or chocolate-covered orange slices — add a lightweight citrus component, whereas menthol builds on the midpalate because it crests into the end.
This Batch Proof begins somewhat closed off however evolves properly within the glass to disclose extra complexity than anticipated. And I’m not complainin’.
119.5 proof.
A- / $150 / woodfordreserve.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Woodford Reserve Grasp’s Assortment Batch Proof 2025
$150
