Popular Kentucky Distillery: Woodford Reserve

OriginVersailles, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerBrown Forman
EstablishedFounded in 1812
Ownershipthe Brown-Forman Coporation

Introduction

The history of the Woodford Reserve Distillery is a testament to the enduring legacy of American bourbon-making. Tracing its roots back to 1812, when Elijah Pepper founded the Oscar Pepper Distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky, the distillery has weathered the storms of Prohibition, changing tastes, and ownership changes to emerge as a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship.

In 1835, Oscar Pepper, Elijah’s son, hired Scottish scientist Dr. James C. Crow, who introduced the sour mash fermentation process, a groundbreaking innovation that would shape the bourbon industry. The distillery was later purchased by Leopold Labrot and James Graham in 1878, becoming known as the Labrot & Graham Distillery.

The Brown-Forman Corporation acquired the distillery in 1940, but sold it off in 1971. In 1994, Brown-Forman repurchased the distillery and renamed it the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The distillery’s historic significance was officially recognized in 2000 when it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Throughout its history, Woodford Reserve has introduced a range of acclaimed bourbon and whiskey products, including the flagship Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the innovative Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and the unique Woodford Reserve Rye. The distillery has also released limited edition expressions, such as the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection “Very Fine Rare Bourbon” and the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, finished in select XO Cognac barrels.

The distillery’s success has been driven by the dedication and expertise of its key personnel, including Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, who have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s story and product development. Through their commitment to innovation and preserving the distillery’s heritage, Woodford Reserve continues to captivate bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey: The flagship bourbon expression from Woodford Reserve, featuring a perfectly balanced taste with over 200 detectable flavor notes.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: An innovative twice-barreled bourbon, first aged in new charred oak barrels, then finished in heavily toasted and lightly charred new oak barrels for an additional 6-12 months.

Woodford Reserve Rye: Delivers complex flavors with spice and tobacco notes balanced by fruit, floral, and sweet aromatics.

Woodford Reserve Malt Whiskey: Offers a rich, complex flavor profile with amplified nutty characteristics.

Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey: Features wheat as the dominant grain at 52%, followed by malt (20%), corn (20%), and rye (8%). Boasts fruit and floral flavors in a uniquely crafted whiskey.

Timeline

  • 1812: Elijah Pepper founds the Oscar Pepper Distillery in Woodford County, Kentucky, laying the foundation for what would become the Woodford Reserve Distillery.
  • 1835: Oscar Pepper, Elijah’s son, takes over the distillery and hires Scottish scientist Dr. James C. Crow, who introduces the sour mash fermentation process, a groundbreaking innovation that would shape the bourbon industry.
  • 1878: The distillery is purchased by Leopold Labrot and James Graham, and becomes known as the Labrot & Graham Distillery.
  • 1940: The Brown-Forman Corporation acquires the distillery, but sells it off in 1971.
  • 1994: Brown-Forman repurchases the distillery and renames it the Woodford Reserve Distillery.
  • 2000: The Woodford Reserve Distillery is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Famous Product Releases

  • 1996: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is launched by Brown-Forman.
  • 2012: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, an incredibly rich and complex expression, is introduced.
  • 2016: Woodford Reserve Rye, a unique rye whiskey with a low rye percentage, is released.
  • 2020: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection “Very Fine Rare Bourbon” is introduced, drawing inspiration from the distillery’s history.
  • 2022: Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition, finished in select XO Cognac barrels, is launched.

Important People

  • Elijah Pepper: Founder of the Oscar Pepper Distillery in 1812, laying the groundwork for Woodford Reserve.
  • Dr. James C. Crow: A Scottish scientist hired by Oscar Pepper in the 1830s, he introduced the sour mash fermentation process, a pivotal innovation in bourbon production.
  • Chris Morris: Woodford Reserve’s Master Distiller, known for his dedication to innovation and preserving the distillery’s heritage.
  • Elizabeth McCall: Woodford Reserve’s Assistant Master Distiller, who has been integral in shaping the brand’s story and product development.

Significant Historical Events

  • Prohibition (1920-1933): The Woodford County Distillery was forced to halt bourbon production, but was later revived by the Brown-Forman Corporation in 1941.
  • Designation as a National Historic Landmark (2000): The Woodford Reserve Distillery’s historic significance was officially recognized, solidifying its place in the annals of American bourbon-making.
  • Sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby: Woodford Reserve’s partnership with this iconic horse race has significantly boosted the brand’s name recognition worldwide.

Interviews

  • Chris Morris, Master Distiller: “The keys to making the World’s Finest Bourbon are not only time and patience, but science and art.”
  • Elizabeth McCall, Assistant Master Distiller: “Together, we craft whiskeys that are a spectacle for the senses, drawing on the rich history and traditions of Woodford Reserve.”

Sources


[1] https://www.horseandbarrelexperiences.com/bourbon101/bourbon-history-woodford-reserve
[2] https://www.woodfordreserve.com/our-story/
[3] https://www.thespiritseducator.com/woodford-reserve
[4] https://www.woodfordreserve.com/our-distillery/
[5] https://www.brown-forman.com/brand/woodford-reserve