October 15, 2019 (LOUISVILLE, KY) – ​Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, always seeking to innovate with new flavor ideas for whiskey, discovered a unique flavor technique: toast rye grain long enough and it begins to taste like chocolate.

Thus was born his newest whiskey — Woodford Reserve Chocolate Malted Rye Bourbon. This limited-selection and one-time-only product is being released this month in the United States and globally as part of Woodford Reserve’s celebrated Master’s Collection.

“The rye malt was roasted to a level that its natural sugars caramelized into a dark chocolate note,” Morris said. “This special bourbon even surprised me as it matured in our warehouses. Each time I tasted it, the chocolate notes became even more pronounced.”

The product, with a suggested retail price of $129.99, has hints of dark chocolate and spice and presents at 90.4 proof. ​The mash bill is ​70% corn, 15% chocolate malted rye, 15% distillers malt.

“Woodford Reserve Bourbon ​has a complex and balanced flavor profile that includes a hint of chocolate,” Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “Chocolate Malted Rye takes those cocoa notes to a new level. Everything we do at Woodford Reserve goes back to our core belief that flavor is everything.”

Woodford Reserve releases two Master’s Collections each year — one in the fall and one in the spring. They are produced with the same heritage and tradition that surrounds the iconic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Since the mid-1800s, the site has been known for its visionary approach to distilling. Today, Woodford Reserve Distillery is visited by more than ​140,000 ​people each year.

The special releases are in addition to the core permanent expressions — Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Woodford Reserve Rye, Woodford Reserve Malt and Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey.

TASTING NOTES
Color​: Medium caramel
Aroma​: Soft mocha, delicate caramel and roasted nut notes mingle with hints of cedar,

soft oak and a touch of fruit.

Flavor​: Roasted rye grain, dry cocoa nibs and dark chocolate spice up a soft mocha character atop a layer of cherry fruit and toasted oak.

Finish​: Long and chocolatey High-res images may be accessed here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r6wce1eiwkphi2w/AAAaf2oSj-cdVC1oqojDV9uha?dl=0

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About Woodford Reserve:

Woodford Reserve, “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us w​ ww.woodfordreserve.com or check us out on Facebook at ​www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve​. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., produced and bottled by the Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2019.

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