Woodford Reserve Unveils 12-Year-Old American Single Malt Whiskey

Woodford Reserve has entered a new chapter with the release of its 12-Year-Old American Single Malt, the latest expression in its Distillery Series. With an age statement rarely seen in this category, the limited-edition whiskey is poised to set benchmarks for quality, flavor, and authenticity in the fast-rising ASM category.

Woodford Reserve 12-Year-Old American Single Malt

Brown-Forman-owned Woodford Reserve has officially launched its first 12-Year-Old American Single Malt (ASM), crafted at the brand’s Versailles, Kentucky distillery. This release is part of the limited Distillery Series. It will be available from 14 August in select Kentucky retailers, at the distillery itself, and through shipping to Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington, DC.

The expression is bottled at 45.2% ABV, packaged in 375ml bottles, and priced at US$100. Availability is extremely limited, making it a sought-after collector’s piece.

• Product Name: Woodford Reserve Distillery Series – 12-Year-Old American Single Malt
• Brand: Woodford Reserve (Brown-Forman)
• Category: American Single Malt Whiskey
• Country: United States
• Region: Kentucky (Versailles)
• Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
• Age Statement: 12 Years
• Style: American Single Malt (matured in used whiskey barrels)
• Alcohol: 45.2% ABV
• Format: 375ml bottle
• Price: US$100
• Launch Date: 14 August 2025
• Availability: Limited – Kentucky, select states, and distillery exclusive

Tasting Notes

This whiskey has been patiently matured for over a decade, delivering a layered, elegant profile.

• Appearance / Color: Light amber, reflecting its maturation in used casks.
• Nose / Aroma: Soft caramel, sun-brewed tea, and ripe pear with a sprinkle of ginger and cardamom.
• Palate / Taste: Sweet, nutty malt opening, followed by warming clove and a refreshing hint of lemon.
• Finish: Smooth and lingering, with spice and citrus interplay.

Key Highlights

Woodford Reserve’s 12-Year ASM is not just another release—it is a category-defining statement.

• First Age-Statement ASM from Woodford Reserve.
• Crafted under new TTB guidelines that now allow both used and new barrels.
• Aged exclusively in used whiskey barrels, highlighting a softer, nuanced style.
• Limited edition with premium positioning at US$100 for 375ml.
• Developed under the guidance of Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, who describes it as “one of the most authentic American single malts ever released.”

Final Overview

This debut single malt release signals Woodford Reserve’s confidence in the future of ASM. With a 12-year age statement and a carefully balanced profile, the whiskey stands out as both collectible and drinkable. Industry insiders suggest that age statements may soon play as vital a role in American single malts as they do in Scotch, and this release positions Woodford at the forefront of that movement.

FAQs

1. What makes this American Single Malt unique?
Its 12-year maturation in used barrels creates a lighter, more nuanced profile, rarely seen in American whiskey.

2. Where can I buy it?
It’s available from 14 August at Kentucky retailers, the distillery, and for shipping to select states.

3. Is it part of the regular Woodford lineup?
No. It’s a limited-edition release under the Distillery Series, available only in small quantities.