Woodford Reserve Rye
Overall Score: 6/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Brown Forman
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90.4
Age: NAS
Mashbill: 53% Rye, 33% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Yellow Corn
MSRP: $35 (2025)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose of the Woodford Reserve Rye opens light and bright with a pleasant pop of pine and evergreen. There’s a soft sweetness—honey drizzled over a buttered biscuit—that gives it a welcoming start. Some fruit notes, like cherry or grape, show up too. But the longer it sits, the more a harsh alcohol edge creeps in, and at times, it comes across with an off-putting "can of paint" scent that detracts from the initial charm.
The palate is simple and straightforward, leaning on classic rye spice and a soft baked bread note. There’s also a hint of nuttiness, almost like faint peanut butter, and even a chalky dark chocolate quality with a touch of orange. Unfortunately, it starts to feel disjointed, with that sweet start quickly giving way to a more unrefined rye and oak character. It’s a light and somewhat bouncy mouthfeel, but the flavors don’t come together in a cohesive way.
The finish is the weakest point in this pour. Instead of carrying forward any of the good from the nose or palate, it leans into dry oak, harsh alcohol, and even a strange, synthetic note—reminiscent of blowing bubbles. It lingers, but not in a satisfying way.
At its core, Woodford Reserve Rye feels built for the casual drinker. It's easy to find, visually appealing, and carries just enough character to intrigue someone newer to rye whiskey. But for enthusiasts looking for depth, balance, or richness, this bottle may fall short.
It has moments of promise, but at its MSRP and often sale price, you’re likely paying more for the brand than the experience.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
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Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose is fruity, reminding me of light cherry or grape. Unfortunately I do get a bit of an alcohol profile that reminded me of opening a can of paint.
It’s also got a light amount of oak, rye spice, and graham crackers.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is light and bouncy.
I get a dark chocolate profile with a similar chalkiness, and a bit of orange.
Then it ends with unrefined rye spice and oak.
THE FINISH:
The finish tastes like blowing bubbles for anyone who unfortunately is familiar with that flavor.
Maybe a bit of dry oak.
BUY OR PASS?
This sip was all over the place, and none of them great. I got too many instances of just alcohol flavor.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Light and bright—those are the first two words that come to mind. The rye spice is there, but not in an overpowering way.
Instead, I get more pine and evergreen. There’s a soft sweetness, like honey on a buttered biscuit, hiding in the background.
It’s a really pleasant nose… at first. But the longer I sit with it, the more the alcohol starts to show up and take over.
THE TASTE:
This one drinks simple—and that’s not always a bad thing.
There’s some classic rye spice and a baked bread note, but it doesn’t go much further. I also catch a little nuttiness, almost like peanut butter, but it’s faint.
It’s not super complex, but it’s fine to sip.
THE FINISH:
Unfortunately, the finish is where this one really stumbles. None of the nice flavors from the nose or palate really stick around.
What I get instead is a lingering alcohol burn and a bit of char, and not in a good way.
It just sort of hangs out, and not in a way I enjoy.
BUY OR PASS?
This feels like a bottle made for casual drinkers—folks who want something easy to find, easy to drink, and don’t care to overanalyze. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. It looks good on a shelf, drinks easy enough neat, and can impress someone who’s not used to rye.
But if you’re hunting for complexity or big flavor, this one probably won’t scratch that itch.
