Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148
Every year, Woodford Reserve celebrates the Kentucky Derby with a limited edition release. The Kentucky Derby 148 bottle is not only visually striking—designed by renowned equine artist Jaime Corum—but also aims to capture the elegance and power of the iconic horse race in its flavor profile. But does this bourbon live up to the promise of its exclusive design?
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Buy on AmazonTasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148 stays true to its roots: caramel and vanilla form the foundation, while honey and a hint of orange add a pleasant sweetness. Spicy rye notes and a nutty depth follow, with brown sugar and oak rounding out the experience.
Palate
On the palate, this bourbon is full-bodied and well-rounded. Caramel and toasted nuts dominate the first impression, accompanied by a pleasant oak spice. The rye spice is more pronounced than in the classic Woodford Reserve, adding extra character to this Derby release. A subtle dryness provides structure, while delicate notes of coffee beans and cocoa add depth.
Finish
The medium-length finish continues the more intense notes: dark cocoa and a touch of cinnamon linger before fading into an elegant oak note. A worthy ending that doesn't overwhelm but remains memorable.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100 - (Very good)
Anyone who enjoys a solid bourbon with a bit more spice and character will be well served here – the Kentucky Derby 148 is charming, but not a showstopper. For collectors and Woodford fans, it’s a nice, stylish addition that scores points with its story and attractive design. No drama, but a pleasant companion for relaxed evenings.
Sascha 78/100 - (Very good)
The Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148 impresses with its balanced interplay between sweet caramel notes and a spicy rye backbone, yet it remains rather conservative. Technically clean, with a medium-length, structured finish, it represents a successful, if not revolutionary, evolution within the portfolio. For connoisseurs who value harmony and subtle complexity, it comes highly recommended.
Value for Money: 3/5 (Fair)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148 in taste from the classic Woodford Reserve Bourbon?
The Kentucky Derby 148 exhibits a more pronounced rye spiciness and a more intense oak spice than the classic Woodford Reserve. Additionally, notes of coffee beans and cocoa add extra depth, while the finish, with dark cocoa and cinnamon, comes across as spicier and more complex.
How is the Kentucky Derby reflected in the design and flavor of this special edition?
The bottle’s design was created by artist Jaime Corum and visually captures the elegance of the Kentucky Derby. In terms of flavor, the bourbon aims to reflect the atmosphere and tradition of the horse race through its combination of power, spice, and elegance.
Is the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 148 suitable for beginners or more for experienced bourbon lovers?
With its complex flavor profile, which includes classic caramel and vanilla notes alongside robust rye spice and bitter cocoa aromas, this bourbon is geared more toward experienced drinkers who appreciate a profound and balanced bourbon variant.