Woodford Reserve Master's Collection No. 20 Madeira Cask Finish Blended with Wheat Whiskey

Woodford Reserve completely flips the script with its twentieth Master’s Collection iteration. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall ventures far beyond standard aging techniques here. She rigorously finishes bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskies inside vibrant Portuguese Madeira casks. They've embraced entirely unorthodox methods. These deeply oxidized wine barrels profoundly reshape the underlying grain structure, imparting a wildly savory complexity that feels both unexpected and remarkably eccentric. It's defying traditional distillery expectations.

Blending takes center stage as unfinished wheat whiskey is blended with the meticulously aged stock. The additional wheat perfectly tempers those aggressive, herbal rye spikes. It's creating a crucial balance. You won’t find standard caramel sweetness dominating this fascinating liquid. Instead, rich layers of dark, oxidized fruit collide with robust cedar and intense baking spices to formulate a highly idiosyncratic, deeply fascinating profile.

• Bottled at a sturdy 90.4 proof for enhanced aromatic delivery.
• Features authentic Madeira wine casks sourced directly from Portugal.
• Represents the pivotal twentieth release in the celebrated Master's Collection.

Nose: Musky aromas immediately envelop the senses with undeniable force. Heavy incense mingles seamlessly with dried cherries and crushed coriander. It demands your absolute attention. A distinct earthen quality anchors the bouquet, while subtle candied oranges and bright cedar effortlessly cut through that dense, oxidized baseline.

Palate: This liquid strikes the tongue with massive, unexpected savory weight. Sharp herbal rye spice crashes directly into deeply oxidized plum notes. It's a thrilling sensory collision. Clove and dark cocoa furiously battle against a firm backbone of toasted lumber, leaving traditional vanilla sweetness hiding quietly in the distant background.

Finish: Grassy tobacco leaves dominate the surprisingly lengthy exit. Those vibrant pepper notes linger relentlessly across the palate. You'll feel immense lingering satisfaction. As the primary spices slowly recede, a tart burst of dried cranberry emerges alongside lingering oak, finalizing this fiercely independent tasting journey.

Pairing this robust spirit requires intensely flavored companions to match its weight. Fatty meats effortlessly tame those sharp, oxidized wine tannins. You'll want rich Iberico ham. The cured pork seamlessly elevates the whiskey’s dried cranberry and subtle saffron nuances, forging a culinary synergy that truly commands your undivided attention. Sharp aged cheddar also provides a formidable pairing option. Its salty bite cuts directly through the lingering dark cocoa notes.