Woodford Reserve debuts American single malt
The new American single malt (ASM) from Brown-Forman-owned Woodford Reserve is part of the brand’s limited Distillery Series.
The new expression was aged for 12 years in used whiskey barrels. On the nose, the whiskey shows aromas of soft caramel, sun tea, and pear alongside hints of ginger and cardamom. The palate brings sweet nutty malt, which gives way to clove and lemon.
In December 2024, the TTB released formal guidelines for ASM, allowing brands to use new or used barrels in maturation, contrary to Bourbon regulations.
While official ASM guidelines have only recently been established, distillers have been making single malt in the US for decades. Woodford Reserve first released a straight malt whiskey in 2018. Given the age statement of the new release, the Versailles-based distillery must have been sitting on stocks of ASM, waiting for the right moment to release them.
“I’m excited to release this 12-year-old American single malt, a whiskey that proves just how essential long ageing in used barrels is for unlocking its full flavour potential,” said master distiller Elizabeth McCall. “Its lighter colour and nuanced flavour profile demonstrate the importance of time. I believe it’s one of the most authentic American single malts ever released – the first of its kind.”
In single malt Scotch, age statements are king. There is a belief that a similar principle will apply to ASM once distillers have matured enough whiskey. The 12-year age statement is certainly meant to make a splash, especially on a debut release.
Woodford Reserve American Single Malt is bottled at 45.2% ABV and priced at US$100 for a 375ml bottle.
The expression will be available in limited quantities at Kentucky retailers and the Woodford Reserve Distillery from 14 August. It will also be available to ship to Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington DC.
Related news
The American Whiskey Masters 2025 results
