I remember the first time I acquired my hands upon a bottle of woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley , mostly because the particular aroma hit me before I even took a sip. It's one of those produces that makes you realize just how much room there nevertheless is for innovation in the bourbon world. Released since the 12th iteration of their Master's Collection, this bottle represents a fairly bold departure from what individuals usually expect when they crack open a Woodford container. It isn't simply another small-batch modification; it's a full-on experiment with exactly how grain and smoke interact.
In the event that you're an enthusiast of the brand name, you probably know they aren't scared to get a little weird. Yet this one felt different. By using malted barley that will had been smoked with cherry wood, they tapped right into a flavor profile that will feels both nostalgic and totally clean. It doesn't shout "smoke" like a heavy Islay scotch might, but this whispers it within a way that changes the entire DNA of the heart.
The Idea Behind the Smoke
Most people think of bourbon and immediately consider corn. While corn is the anchor of any bourbon, the secondary grains—the rye or the barley—usually do the heavy lifting when it comes to the particular "seasoning" of the drink. With the woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley , the particular team decided to push the malted barley to the particular forefront. Rather than the typical tiny percentage a person find in most mash bills, they bumped the malted barley up to 30%.
But the real kicker isn't just the quantity; it's the treatment. Smoking grain isn't a new idea, however the choice associated with wood makes all the distinction. Cherry wood is definitely known for being soft, sweet, plus slightly floral. Whenever you use it to smoke barley, those characteristics leak into the materials and, eventually, straight into the distillate. It's a far cry from the therapeutic, earthy smoke associated with peat. It feels more like a summertime bonfire or the particular smell of an expensive pipe tobacco.
What It Actually Tastes Like
When you pour a glass, the particular first thing you notice is the color. It's got that wealthy, deep amber color that Woodford is famous for, but there's a certain lighting into it. On the particular nose, it's the bit of a curveball. You will get the particular classic caramel plus vanilla notes you'd expect, but then there's this distinct crazy quality. It scents a bit such as toasted almonds and even marzipan.
Taking that initial sip of woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley is where issues get interesting. The smoke is delicate. It's tucked away under layers of dark chocolate and dried fruit. It's not a "charred" flavor so significantly as it is definitely a "toasted" one. Because of that higher barley content, the mouthfeel is incredibly creamy. It lacks that sharp spicy bite you obtain from high-rye bourbons, opting instead for a smooth, velvety texture that coats your tongue.
As you let it sit, the cherry influence begins to come out there. It's not such as a fake maraschino cherry flavor; it's more like a tart, sun-ripened cherry that's been somewhat smoked. There's also a hint of ginger and maybe a little bit of cinnamon lurking in the background. It's complex, however it doesn't feel like it's trying too very difficult.
Why the 30% Barley Issues
In the world of bourbon, the mash expenses is usually a closely safeguarded secret or a very traditional method. Most Woodford expression stay pretty close up to the standard 18% rye and 10% malted barley. By cranking that will barley up to 30% for your woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley , they essentially created a cross that flirts with the characteristics of a single malt whilst staying firmly seated in the bourbon category.
Barley brings a certain "cereal" sweetness that corn and rye just can't replicate. It makes the particular whiskey feel weightier, in a great way. It's considerable. When you combine that extra body with the cherry wood smoke, you get a drink that feels really "autumnal. " It's the kind of pour you desire upon a cold Nov night when the sun goes down early and you're just planning to remain warm.
The Finish and the particular Aftertaste
A lot of fresh whiskeys fall apart around the finish. They start strong but end with the weird metallic note or an overwhelming bitterness. Fortunately, that's not the situation here. The finish off on the woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley is surprisingly long and stays quite sweet. The smoke lingers, but this becomes more associated with a roasted cacao flavor since it ends.
I've found the "nutty" notes I described earlier really hang up around. It leaves you with a taste that will remind me of all those toasted pecans a person find at street fairs. It's clean, it's balanced, and it also doesn't overstay its welcome. You aren't left reaching for any glass of drinking water to wash away an ashtray flavor, which is a common concern for those who aren't generally into "smoky" mood.
How to Enjoy It
I'm usually a purist when this comes to limited releases like this particular. I think you must pay back it to the distillers to try the particular woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley neat 1st. You want to see how these flavors evolve because the glass breathes. The drop or 2 of water will help open up these floral cherry notes, but I wouldn't overload.
With that being said, if you're feeling adventurous, this makes an amazing Old Fashioned. The smoke plays from the bitters in the way that's just fantastic. Because the whiskey itself already offers those cherry and chocolate undertones, a person don't require a great deal of sugar to make the cocktail pop. It's a sophisticated edition of a classic, plus it'll definitely spark a conversation if you're serving it to friends.
Is It Still Obtainable?
Since this was a restricted launch in the Master's Collection, finding a bottle of woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley on a standard alcohol store shelf nowadays can be a bit of a hunt. It's become a little bit of a collector's item. However, if you see it from a specialty store or a well-stocked whiskey bar, it's worth the price of a put. It represents the specific moment in Woodford's history where they were really pushing the boundaries of what "bourbon" might be.
Actually if you can't find this particular bottle, it's a great gateway in to understanding how different wood types affect grain. It changed the way I actually take a look at smoked whiskeys. I did previously think everything smoked had in order to taste just like a campfire, but this bottle proved that smoke can be stylish, fruity, and even delicate.
Last Thoughts
The woodford reserve cherry wood smoked barley isn't heading to be for everybody. If you're someone that wants that enormous, spicy rye punch or the simple corn sweetness associated with a traditional wheated bourbon, this may toss you to get a loop. But if you're looking for some thing that challenges your own palate and offers a different perspective upon grain manipulation, it's a winner.
It's a testament to the truth that actually the big names in Kentucky could surprise us. They will took a risk by messing with the barley proportions and introducing a non-traditional smoking wood, and it paid off. It's a bottle that will stays in your memory long after the glass is vacant, and honestly, that's exactly what a Master's Collection launch should do. Whether or not you're a seasoned collector or just somebody who likes a great story with their particular drink, this is definitely one chapter of the Woodford tale that's definitely worth reading—or, better yet, drinking.