What was an enthusiast preference a decade ago, high-proof whiskey now seems to be the mark of quality — as if distilleries are now using the expressions to showcase their selection and aging expertise. As such, we’ve seen a steep rise in barrel-proof bourbons in recent years. However, we haven’t seen very many rye whiskeys eclipsing the 120-proof mark. There have been a couple, such as Thomas H. Handy’s Sazerac Rye and Jack Daniels’ Single Barrel Rye, which have both hit higher than 130 proof. But now Kentucky’s own Woodford Reserve joins the exclusive club with its first-ever barrel-proof rye.
Pre-Prohibition Roots
Woodford Reserve has been cranking out exceptional bourbon since the distillery’s modern revival in 1996, though the site itself traces back to 1812 when Elijah Pepper first fired up stills in Woodford County. The brand’s commitment to traditional methods — triple distillation, copper pot stills, and extended fermentation — has made it a staple for bourbon enthusiasts. But rye has always been a different animal for the distillery, and this new Barrel Strength Rye showcases what happens when you let their standard pre-Prohibition-style 53% rye mashbill speak at full volume.
Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall pulled about 120 barrels for this release, slightly more than usual to account for the higher proof. The result clocks in at 125.1 proof, bringing bold spice notes forward without crossing into palate-scorching territory.
Spice Route
According to the brand, the nose delivers pepper, clove, and nutmeg layered over toasted oak and vanilla bean with hints of orange oil. On the palate, you’re hit with juicy orange and those same baking spices, but now there’s leather and tobacco joining the fray. The finish stretches out long with citrus and unsweetened tea notes. It’s an expression designed for sipping, though it would absolutely hold its own in a Manhattan if you’re feeling adventurous with your cocktail specs.
What stands out here is how Woodford Reserve approaches high-proof differently than some of its peers. The 53% rye mashbill sits just above the legal minimum (of 51%), a style that Kentucky distilleries favor.
Spec Sheet
Whiskey: Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye
Type: High-Proof Rye Whiskey
Mashbill: 53% Rye
ABV: 162.55%
Aroma: Pepper, clove, nutmeg, toasted oak, vanilla bean, orange oils
Palate: Orange, baking spice, leather, tobacco
Finish: Long, citrus, unsweetened tea
Price: $130
Pricing & Availability
Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye is available now for $130 per 700ml bottle at the distillery and select retailers nationwide.
Recap
Woodford Reserve Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey
Woodford Reserve just dropped its first barrel-proof rye at 125.1 proof, using the same 53% rye mashbill as their standard expression but letting it hit full strength with pronounced spice notes of pepper, clove, and baking spices.
