Woodford Reserve Debuts Super Seasoned Oak Bourbon

Master's Collection Release No. 22 Explores Long-Term Outdoor Wood Weathering

Brown-Forman-owned Woodford Reserve has unveiled a new experimental bourbon, Super Seasoned Oak, marking the 22nd release in its revered Master's Collection series. This Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey features an innovative oak maturation process, aged in specialty barrels coopered from oak staves seasoned outdoors for 5 to 7 years.

Pushing Boundaries in Wood Seasoning and Flavor Profile

Traditional bourbon barrels are primarily coopered from American white oak, with staves commonly seasoned in open air for several months to a year. In contrast, the staves selected for Super Seasoned Oak underwent up to 7 years of natural weather exposure. The distillery highlights that extended outdoor seasoning significantly reduces harsh, astringent green tannins, opens up the wood grain structure, and concentrates richer sugars. This Woodford Reserve expression is bottled at 50.2% ABV.

On the palate, the whiskey reveals aromas of caramel, vanilla, almond, cherry, and dried red apples dusted with cinnamon. Upon sipping, rich spice notes of orange peel oil, cinnamon, and cloves interlock to provide profound structural depth.

Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall noted that with Super Seasoned Oak, the team demonstrated how long-term natural outdoor weathering combined with precise coopering elevates whiskey quality, producing an intensely rich and deeply structured flavor profile.

Woodford Reserve's Master's Collection has always been dedicated to exploring unique distillation and maturation techniques, featuring daring releases over the years including a Pinot Noir wine cask-finished bourbon in 2023 and a Madeira cask-finished whiskey in 2024.

📅 Publication Date: 2026-09-07

🔗 Source: The Spirits Business