Woodford Reserve is celebrating 25 years. To mark the historic day and look towards the future, Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall laid down a new whiskey, and will host a series of commemorative experiences at the distillery this week. The events will be open to the public.
“We are planning for the future as we see no signs that the bourbon boom is slowing down,” Morris said. “More and more consumers worldwide are discovering one of the greatest exports from Kentucky — bourbon. And they are especially enjoying Woodford Reserve.”
Through the month of October, customers will be able to participate in special tastings, enjoy bespoke cocktails and discover unique products for sale at the Gift Shop. On Friday, October 15 from 2-4:30 p.m., Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall will sign bottles for customers.
Earlier this year, Woodford Reserve announced the doubling of its capacity, increasing its three iconic copper pot stills to six stills. A new building will house utilities and storage space, clearing the way for new fermenters in the current distillery building. Additional grain and barrel unloading areas as well as a training center for employees are also being planned. To conserve this National Historic Landmark, where many whiskey innovations occurred in the 1800s and 1900s, Woodford Reserve collaborated with historic preservation leaders in Frankfort and Washington so the design of this latest building will complement the older structures.
Woodford Reserve sits on Kentucky’s oldest distilling site where Elijah Pepper began crafting whiskey in 1812. Former CEO Owsley Brown II had a vision in the mid-1990s – to create a homeplace where guests could learn the history of bourbon while enjoying his brand’s bottlings.
“The words of Owsley Brown II still hold true today,” MCall said. “Woodford Reserve is a labor of love for everyone involved. A love of this place, a love of history and a love of making superb whiskey.”
Brown-Forman renovated the historic distillery and – in 1996 – opened it to the public for tours. Today, Woodford Reserve continues the innovative spirit – the global brand helped elevate American Whiskey as a category worldwide when it partnered with renowned fine crystal producer Baccarat, in France, to create the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition.
The Woodford Reserve family of brands now includes five permanent expressions — bourbon, rye, double oaked, malt and wheat — along with their limited edition expressions, including the Master’s Collection and the highly sought after Double Double Oaked.
For more information on Woodford Reserve and its 25 years of whiskey, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last month, Woodford Reserve and Williams Sonoma formed a new partnership to bring unique cocktail experiences to kitchens and homes across America. The partnership kicked off with a line of co-branded cocktail mixers, now available for purchase.
