Woodford Reserve Releases Limited Edition Honey Barrel Bourbon

In the world of bourbon the term “honey barrel” has existed for decades as a way to describe an almost supernaturally sublime cask born of a particular rickhouse. It’s a figurative expression denoting that said specimen hits the exact sweet spot of flavor. For its latest Distillery Series release, Woodford Reserve is applying the phrase in literal fashion.

Honey Barrel Finish is a limited edition American whiskey that was partially aged in casks formerly filled with actual honey. After freshly dumping some of its bourbon barrels, the Kentucky-based distillery sent them over to a nearby apiary in Woodford County. That bee farmer proceeded to age his own honey in the cooperage before returning the wood back to Woodford Reserve. Master distiller Chris Morris then buzzed into action, refilling the storage vessels to apply a unique layer to his prized bourbon. The honey barrel aged liquid was then delicately blended with straight stock to exacting specifications.

What emerged—as you might imagine—was a slightly sweeter take on the distillery flagship. But it’s more complicated than that. The Honey Barrel whiskey holds floral notes as well as a touch of tropical fruit, both of which are foreign to its non-honeyed counterpart.

These complexities come at a cost. And we’re referring to more than just the price increase (it retails in Kentucky for $60 for a 375ml). By introducing used cooperage, Woodford Reserve relinquishes the right to label the whiskey a bourbon. Remember: bourbon must be aged exclusively in new barrels. For his part, Morris never flinched at the mandated shift in terminology. Far more important to him was the chance to champion innovation—as well as his Bluegrass neighbors.

“One of the best parts of my job is being able to experiment with new ways of making Woodford Reserve,” he says. “It’s been rewarding to work with a honey producer here in Woodford County to create this unique Distillery Series expression and support local business and agriculture.”

Woodford’s Distillery Series remains a great outlet for Morris to flex his creativity on three separate occasions throughout the calendar year. As part of the series, Honey Barrel Finish will be sold in limited quantities at the brand’s home in Versailles, Kentucky until it sells out. A select number of bottles can also be found at select retailers across the state.

It’s bottled at the same 90.4 proof point that Morris prefers for virtually all of his releases, and so its worth comparing neat alongside the flagship from which it originally formed. Though we definitely recommend allocating some to Old Fashioned assembly. In that most traditional of bourbon cocktails, Honey Barrel truly does strike a sweet spot—both figuratively and literally.