Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Batch Proof Bourbon 119.5 Proof

Woodford Reserve built this Master's Collection release around one simple idea: bottle the bourbon at the proof it came out of the barrel, without cutting it back. The 2024 release lands at 119.5 proof, matured in new charred American oak.

Banana bread is the note that stands out first, sweet and a little doughy, with vanilla and caramel filling in behind it. Cocoa gives the palate some weight and keeps the sweetness from running away, while dark fruit shows up further along. Cinnamon and rich oak close things out with a warm, dry grip that lasts.

At 59.8% ABV this is a full-strength Kentucky bourbon, so it drinks best slowly. A few drops of dilution open up the baking-spice side without flattening the barrel character, and it holds its shape well over one large cube. The 700 mL bottle is a straightforward pick for anyone who likes their bourbon undiluted.