Overview
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is the flagship Kentucky straight bourbon brand produced by Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Owned by Brown-Forman, Woodford Reserve is one of the most important modern premium bourbon brands and a major visitor-facing name on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The brand is built around balance, flavor education, and versatility. Woodford Reserve’s official materials emphasize its bourbon as “perfectly balanced,” and the broader portfolio uses a structured flavor language that helps drinkers understand grain, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and proof.
Brand History
Woodford Reserve was launched by Brown-Forman in the 1990s and helped define the modern premium bourbon category. The brand is tied to the historic Woodford County distillery site formerly associated with Old Oscar Pepper and other important names in Kentucky whiskey history.
Over time, Woodford Reserve expanded from its flagship bourbon into Double Oaked, Rye, Malt, Wheat, Master’s Collection, Batch Proof, Distillery Series, and Baccarat Edition releases.
Who Owns the Brand?
Woodford Reserve is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation.
Producing Distillery
Woodford Reserve is produced by Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, with broader Brown-Forman production expertise supporting the brand.
Core Products
Core products include Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Woodford Reserve Rye, Woodford Reserve Malt, and Woodford Reserve Wheat.
Limited Releases
Limited and specialty releases include Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection, Batch Proof, Distillery Series releases, Baccarat Edition, Double Double Oaked, and other market-specific or seasonal bottlings.
Mash Bill and Production Notes
Woodford Reserve Bourbon uses Brown-Forman’s bourbon production approach and is known for flavor balance, pot still influence at the Versailles site, and new charred oak maturation. Exact technical details should be verified by expression because production and batching can vary across the broader portfolio.
Availability
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is widely available in the United States and many international markets. Limited releases and specialty expressions vary by market, release calendar, and allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Woodford Reserve Bourbon?
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is made by Woodford Reserve Distillery and Brown-Forman.
Who owns Woodford Reserve?
Woodford Reserve is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation.
Where is Woodford Reserve made?
Woodford Reserve is associated with Versailles, Kentucky.
What is the flagship Woodford Reserve bottle?
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the flagship expression.