Originally founded in 1812, Woodford Reserve has a somewhat tumultuous history prior to its resurrection in 1993. In the late 19th century, it was renamed Old Oscar Pepper Distillery but then production was halted at the facility 90 years later in 1968. The rise of clear spirits in the mid-20th century took a toll on the whiskey industry in general but all that began to reverse again in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Woodford Reserve was then reestablished as a brand and has been going strong ever since.
But despite this prolific history, especially in the past three decades, the Kentucky favorite has never released a bourbon with a higher proof than the one it’s coming out with now, clocking in at a fire-breathing 139.4 proof (or 69.7% ABV).
What’s with All These High-Proof Whiskeys?
It’s safe to say there has been an aggressive uptick of barrel-strength whiskeys in recent years. Consumers simply want to experience the full flavor of the aged liquid without any sort of water dilution — a practice that has been going on since the 19th century, not to degrade flavor but to make whiskey more drinkable.
While there is a minimum ABV for bourbon (40% or 80 proof), there is no legal maximum. Nevertheless, limitations might be inherently in place due to distillation and aging methods. For instance, for a whiskey to be legally classified as bourbon, it cannot come off the still any higher than 80% ABV and cannot enter the barrel any higher than 62.5% ABV.
However, whiskey can actually increase in alcohol percentage during the aging process due to evaporation, leaving some older barrel-proof bourbons approaching “hazmat proof,” which is 140 proof or higher. This is named for the Federal Aviation Association’s designation of any liquid at or above 70% ABV as hazardous material and flammable.
Woodford Reserve Chocolate Whisper Redux Basics
Following up a bespoke bourbon-infused chocolate bar it released last December, Woodford Reserve is debuting its Chocolate Whisper Redux, a straight bourbon that doesn’t actually have any chocolate inside it at all, but just kinda tastes like it.
The Chocolate Whisper Redux is also a follow-up to the 2021 Chocolate Whisper bourbon, which was part of the brand’s Distillery Series. This bottling was a mere 90.4 proof, but Woodford Reserve wanted to tap back into the barrel stock to see how much it’s matured in the past 4 years.
While it’s not quite hazmat proof, the Chocolate Whisper Redux for 2025 is about as close as you can come without getting the FAA restriction. Bottled at 139.4 proof, the whiskey gets its high alcohol in part from the aging process, which saw it resting in barrels for 12 years — which in and of itself would’ve made this bourbon notable. This isn’t the oldest liquid from Woodford Reserve — that achievement goes to the 2020 release of the Very Fine Rare Bourbon, a 17-year-old bourbon.
For the Chocolate Whisper Redux, the brand says the nose has notes of “chocolate, rich toasted oak, clove, and nutmeg” with a palate of “cacao nib, dark roasted coffee, dried cherry and cranberry, and charred oak” with a pecan and oaky finish.
Spec Sheet
ABV: 69.7%
Age Statement: 12 years
Nose: Chocolate, rich toasted oak, clove, nutmeg
Palate: Cacao nib, dark roasted coffee, dried cherry, dried cranberry, charred oak
Pricing & Availability
Woodford Reserve has long been cherished as one of the finest “budget” bourbons around but their quality is nothing to scoff at. Nevertheless, for a 12-year-old bourbon, the $100 suggested retail mark of the Chocolate Whisper Redux is quite impressive. However, the bottles are only 375mL in volume and will get a limited release in Kentucky. The secondary market price will surely skyrocket. Head over to Woodford Reserve’s website to learn more.
Recap
Woodford Reserve 2025 Chocolate Whisper Redux 139.4 Proof
Woodford Reserve just dropped its highest-proof bourbon ever, a 139.4-proof version of its Chocolate Whisper, now with a 12-year-old age statement.
