The Story
Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Batch Proof 124.7 — the 2023 annual release of the Batch Proof series: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at the natural batch proof of 124.7 without dilution, the first Batch Proof release overseen entirely by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall following her appointment in early 2023.
The Batch Proof series was developed by then-Master Distiller Chris Morris as a way to explore the fifth of Woodford's five flavor sources — maturation — through the lens of proof. The concept: change nothing except the finishing step, bottling at the batch's natural proof rather than reducing to the standard 90.4. Every year, Master Distiller McCall selects roughly 120 barrels and bottles at whatever collective proof those barrels naturally reach. In McCall's own words about the series: "It is the same process each year. We let the barrels lead the way in proof, which impacts the flavor."
At 124.7 proof, the 2023 vintage is one of the higher-proof Batch Proof releases — a jump from the 118.4 of 2022, indicating a higher proportion of upper-floor, more concentrated barrels in that year's selection. Reviewers described the 2023 as one of the most decadent and complex Batch Proof releases, with dark cherry and chocolate leading the palate.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich toasted oak, vanilla, cinnamon, dark fruit, and caramel with the complexity that the copper pot still contribution provides even at high proof
- Palate: Dark cherry, chocolate, baking spice, caramel, and oak — decadent and full-bodied; the triple pot still character keeps the high proof approachable and clean
- Finish: Long and warming with spice, leather, and chocolate notes persisting; described by reviewers as one of the best finishes in the Batch Proof series
Specs
- Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Masters Collection Batch Proof
- Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
- Distillation: Triple copper pot still + column still blend
- ABV: 62.35% (124.7 Proof)
- Release: 2023 (first under Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall)
- Size: 700ml
Browse the full Woodford Reserve collection at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Batch Proof? The same Woodford Reserve bourbon, not diluted to the standard 90.4 proof. Bottled at the natural collective proof of the selected batch of barrels — about 120 casks per annual release.
- Why 700ml instead of 750ml? Starting with the 2023 release, Woodford moved to 700ml bottles for the Batch Proof series to align with the international standard bottle size, facilitating global distribution.
- What made 2023 a higher-proof year than 2022? Barrel selection. The 2022 release at 118.4 proof had more lower-floor barrels in its composition; the 2023 vintage at 124.7 had more upper-floor barrels, which concentrate to higher natural proofs through more aggressive warehouse temperature cycling.
Description
Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Batch Proof 124.7 — the 2023 annual release of the Batch Proof series: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at the natural batch proof of 124.7 without dilution, the first Batch Proof release overseen entirely by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall following her appointment in early 2023.
The Batch Proof series was developed by then-Master Distiller Chris Morris as a way to explore the fifth of Woodford's five flavor sources — maturation — through the lens of proof. The concept: change nothing except the finishing step, bottling at the batch's natural proof rather than reducing to the standard 90.4. Every year, Master Distiller McCall selects roughly 120 barrels and bottles at whatever collective proof those barrels naturally reach. In McCall's own words about the series: "It is the same process each year. We let the barrels lead the way in proof, which impacts the flavor."
At 124.7 proof, the 2023 vintage is one of the higher-proof Batch Proof releases — a jump from the 118.4 of 2022, indicating a higher proportion of upper-floor, more concentrated barrels in that year's selection. Reviewers described the 2023 as one of the most decadent and complex Batch Proof releases, with dark cherry and chocolate leading the palate.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich toasted oak, vanilla, cinnamon, dark fruit, and caramel with the complexity that the copper pot still contribution provides even at high proof
- Palate: Dark cherry, chocolate, baking spice, caramel, and oak — decadent and full-bodied; the triple pot still character keeps the high proof approachable and clean
- Finish: Long and warming with spice, leather, and chocolate notes persisting; described by reviewers as one of the best finishes in the Batch Proof series
Specs
- Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Masters Collection Batch Proof
- Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
- Distillation: Triple copper pot still + column still blend
- ABV: 62.35% (124.7 Proof)
- Release: 2023 (first under Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall)
- Size: 700ml
Browse the full Woodford Reserve collection at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Batch Proof? The same Woodford Reserve bourbon, not diluted to the standard 90.4 proof. Bottled at the natural collective proof of the selected batch of barrels — about 120 casks per annual release.
- Why 700ml instead of 750ml? Starting with the 2023 release, Woodford moved to 700ml bottles for the Batch Proof series to align with the international standard bottle size, facilitating global distribution.
- What made 2023 a higher-proof year than 2022? Barrel selection. The 2022 release at 118.4 proof had more lower-floor barrels in its composition; the 2023 vintage at 124.7 had more upper-floor barrels, which concentrate to higher natural proofs through more aggressive warehouse temperature cycling.
