Comments on: New Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection “Seasoned Oak” http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/ Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:55:56 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Big Dog http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12390 Big Dog Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:25:24 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12390 I just toured the distillery a couple of weeks ago. @Red_Arremer, @John Hansell: All the bourbon coming out of the Labrot and Graham distillery is triple distilled in their three copper stills on the premise. They do not mix with bourbon from other distilleries. Michael Shoshani is correct. The law requires that bourbon is aged in new white oak charred barrels, meaning that the barrel hasn't been used for any thing else when the grain alcohol is put in it. The wood for the barrels for this Master's Collection has just sat around a lot longer than normal before they were made into barrels. @Levi: Red is correct again, depending on the type of batch (small, very small) they mix two or more barrels together before bringing it down to the legally required bottling proof (around 90) for flavor consistency between batches. A barrel of bourbon can be aged from 5.5 to over 8 years (normally) before the master distiller releases it for bottling. That will give each barrel a slightly different flavor. Thanks John for the review. I'm stepping out to get my bottle now. I just toured the distillery a couple of weeks ago. @Red_Arremer, @John Hansell: All the bourbon coming out of the Labrot and Graham distillery is triple distilled in their three copper stills on the premise. They do not mix with bourbon from other distilleries. Michael Shoshani is correct. The law requires that bourbon is aged in new white oak charred barrels, meaning that the barrel hasn’t been used for any thing else when the grain alcohol is put in it. The wood for the barrels for this Master’s Collection has just sat around a lot longer than normal before they were made into barrels. @Levi: Red is correct again, depending on the type of batch (small, very small) they mix two or more barrels together before bringing it down to the legally required bottling proof (around 90) for flavor consistency between batches. A barrel of bourbon can be aged from 5.5 to over 8 years (normally) before the master distiller releases it for bottling. That will give each barrel a slightly different flavor.

Thanks John for the review. I’m stepping out to get my bottle now.

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12374 John Hansell Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:39:22 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12374 Thanks Red, for answering Levi's question. Thanks Red, for answering Levi’s question.

]]> By: Red_Arremer http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12369 Red_Arremer Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:25:35 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12369 Probably, each batch is a different bunch of barrels getting mixed together (though it's entirely possible that the contents of one barrel might end up in two different batches). The profile of the whiskey might vary a little from batch to batch, but if they are aiming for consistency it shouldn't be too huge a factor. And yes, I'm sure there was a "Batch #1." Probably, each batch is a different bunch of barrels getting mixed together (though it’s entirely possible that the contents of one barrel might end up in two different batches). The profile of the whiskey might vary a little from batch to batch, but if they are aiming for consistency it shouldn’t be too huge a factor. And yes, I’m sure there was a “Batch #1.”

]]> By: Tanya http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12359 Tanya Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:50:22 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12359 I am looking for a place to buy this in Louisiana preferably in Baton Rouge. I am not even sure it has been distributed here. I am looking for a place to buy this in Louisiana preferably in Baton Rouge. I am not even sure it has been distributed here.

]]> By: Levi http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12345 Levi Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:12:46 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12345 PLEASE answer this... What is the deal with the "Batches" ?? I found Batch #5 of this new Masters Edition, was there a "Batch #1" ? Any light you can shed on this would be VERY appreciated: levimedia@gmail.com PLEASE answer this… What is the deal with the “Batches” ??

I found Batch #5 of this new Masters Edition, was there a “Batch #1″ ?

Any light you can shed on this would be VERY appreciated: levimedia@gmail.com

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12201 John Hansell Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:31:25 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12201 Michael S., Thanks for answering that question. I meant to get back to this posting and answer it, but you beat me to it. Michael S., Thanks for answering that question. I meant to get back to this posting and answer it, but you beat me to it.

]]> By: Michael Shoshani http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12192 Michael Shoshani Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:58:51 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12192 @Mr Manhattan: There should be no conflict with the law as to labeling it 'Bourbon' despite its finishing in other barrels. The legal requirement to be labeled 'Bourbon' is that it must be aged for a specified amount of time (I believe two years) in new, charred oak barrels. ONCE THAT PERIOD ELAPSES, the whiskey can legally be called 'Bourbon' even if it's then dumped into galvanized zinc washtubs for a decade. There are distilleries that hold product in stainless steel tanks to prevent further aging, but these will all have aged for the required amount of time in the specified new charred oak barrels. Likewise, the bourbon we buy in the store can legally be called 'Bourbon' even though we're actually buying it in transparent glass bottles. Its transfer to a different storage medium does not affect its status as bourbon. @Mr Manhattan: There should be no conflict with the law as to labeling it ‘Bourbon’ despite its finishing in other barrels. The legal requirement to be labeled ‘Bourbon’ is that it must be aged for a specified amount of time (I believe two years) in new, charred oak barrels.

ONCE THAT PERIOD ELAPSES, the whiskey can legally be called ‘Bourbon’ even if it’s then dumped into galvanized zinc washtubs for a decade.

There are distilleries that hold product in stainless steel tanks to prevent further aging, but these will all have aged for the required amount of time in the specified new charred oak barrels. Likewise, the bourbon we buy in the store can legally be called ‘Bourbon’ even though we’re actually buying it in transparent glass bottles. Its transfer to a different storage medium does not affect its status as bourbon.

]]> By: Jason's Scotch Reviews http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-12052 Jason's Scotch Reviews Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:13:39 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-12052 This should be exceedingly good provided they have their past quality control issues under control. This should be exceedingly good provided they have their past quality control issues under control.

]]> By: William Gaunce http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11978 William Gaunce Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:27:30 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11978 All of the Masters Collection bottlings are 100% pot stilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The regular Woodford Reserve is a batching of pot-stilled bourbon and hones barrels selected by Chris Morris at the Early Times/Old Forester distillery. The specifics of the batching are a secret. Woodford only has three pot stills while Old Forester is produced in Louisville. Flavor profiles of these two bourbons has become increasingly more alike as the years develop. The wood that was aged for three and one-half to five years had time for the extra tannins to leach out into the limestone gravel that the wood sits on. This resulted, when charred and toasted, in imparting different flavors. These were all charred new oak barrels. The flavor is robust at 100.4 proof. Brown Forman makes every drop of its bourbons in its own facilities and every barrel is aged in BF warehouses. This make them unique in the industry. All of the Masters Collection bottlings are 100% pot stilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The regular Woodford Reserve is a batching of pot-stilled bourbon and hones barrels selected by Chris Morris at the Early Times/Old Forester distillery. The specifics of the batching are a secret. Woodford only has three pot stills while Old Forester is produced in Louisville. Flavor profiles of these two bourbons has become increasingly more alike as the years develop.

The wood that was aged for three and one-half to five years had time for the extra tannins to leach out into the limestone gravel that the wood sits on. This resulted, when charred and toasted, in imparting different flavors. These were all charred new oak barrels. The flavor is robust at 100.4 proof.

Brown Forman makes every drop of its bourbons in its own facilities and every barrel is aged in BF warehouses. This make them unique in the industry.

]]> By: Gary http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11929 Gary Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:13:50 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11929 Being a big Woodford fan I am looking forward to this release. Interesting points being discussed regarding the use of the wood and the "finish aging". Is there a question as to whether or not this is a "legal" bourbon? Being a big Woodford fan I am looking forward to this release. Interesting points being discussed regarding the use of the wood and the “finish aging”. Is there a question as to whether or not this is a “legal” bourbon?

]]> By: John Hansell http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11919 John Hansell Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:50:23 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11919 Red, I really enjoyed Astar. I should be getting this new WRMC release in a week or two and will let everyone know my thoughts on it. Red, I really enjoyed Astar. I should be getting this new WRMC release in a week or two and will let everyone know my thoughts on it.

]]> By: Red_Arremer http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11910 Red_Arremer Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:57:04 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11910 Mike @6, have you tried Astar? The whole point of it is that it's a young scotch, probably 6-8 years old, that gets aged in charred new oak that has been seasoned for a very long time. It tastes relatively more mature than you'd expect and is packed with vanilla notes, has barely any sappiness, and a little spice.... which makes me wonder if this bourbon will be too sweet. I guess we'll see. Mike @6, have you tried Astar? The whole point of it is that it’s a young scotch, probably 6-8 years old, that gets aged in charred new oak that has been seasoned for a very long time. It tastes relatively more mature than you’d expect and is packed with vanilla notes, has barely any sappiness, and a little spice…. which makes me wonder if this bourbon will be too sweet. I guess we’ll see.

]]> By: Sean http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11890 Sean Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:34:06 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11890 Michael, I believe because the second barrels are still new it should be ok. If I remember it only says new barrels it doesn't say anything about reracking it into another new barrels. I believe there is another bourbon that doers this as well (isn't it Pritchards double barrel bourbon or something close to that). Hope that helps. Michael, I believe because the second barrels are still new it should be ok. If I remember it only says new barrels it doesn’t say anything about reracking it into another new barrels. I believe there is another bourbon that doers this as well (isn’t it Pritchards double barrel bourbon or something close to that). Hope that helps.

]]> By: Mr Manhattan http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11886 Mr Manhattan Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:25:05 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11886 @David G: The press release indicates these barrels are used for 'finish aging' - which leads me to believe two barrels are used: one for the initial period of aging and another (made from the seasoned staves) for the finishing. So the whiskey spends time in two different barrels. I'm interested in understanding how that's still considered 'bourbon' under existing standards. (And I'm not impugning the product, merely trying to understand the labeling.) Michael @David G: The press release indicates these barrels are used for ‘finish aging’ – which leads me to believe two barrels are used: one for the initial period of aging and another (made from the seasoned staves) for the finishing. So the whiskey spends time in two different barrels. I’m interested in understanding how that’s still considered ‘bourbon’ under existing standards. (And I’m not impugning the product, merely trying to understand the labeling.)

Michael

]]> By: Mike Dereszynski http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2009/10/27/new-woodford-reserve-masters-collection-seasoned-oak/#comment-11874 Mike Dereszynski Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:24:50 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=2541#comment-11874 Hi John, As usual answers produce more questions and with Woodford Reserve there always seem to be questions as to their methods,wether it be their distillation or aging process ect. ect. My question pertains to the latest Masters Collection and the special aged wood or staves.Since the staves are aged by 3-5 years rather than months what does this in fact do? Is the rest of their proccessing of the wood,ie charring level ect. remain the same or is that also changed. I also remember Jim McEwan once saying that the thickness of the staves of a cask can effect the whisky. Did the extra aging change the thickness of the staves? I dont expect you to have the answers, just something to ponder while you sit in your easy chair by the fire sipping a little whisky/whiskey while you fight the flu. SLAINTE/GOOD HEALTH!! Mike Dski Hi John,
As usual answers produce more questions and with Woodford Reserve there always seem to be questions as to their methods,wether it be their distillation or aging process ect. ect.
My question pertains to the latest Masters Collection and the special aged wood or staves.Since the staves are aged by 3-5 years rather than months what does this in fact do? Is the rest of their proccessing of the wood,ie charring level ect. remain the same or is that also changed. I also remember Jim McEwan once saying that the thickness of the staves of a cask can effect the whisky. Did the extra aging change the thickness of the staves?
I dont expect you to have the answers, just something to ponder while you sit in your easy chair by the fire sipping a little whisky/whiskey while you fight the flu.
SLAINTE/GOOD HEALTH!!
Mike Dski

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