Woodford Reserve + Original Makers Club Bourbon Tasting
HerKentucky's Heather C. Watson reviews the newest limited edition Distillery Series bourbons from Woodford Reserve.
Last night, my beau and I attended the Original Makers Club's tasting party for Woodford Reserve's Distillery Series bourbons. It was a perfect summer night for an outdoor party.
My shadow has big hair. Because, of course.
Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris and Master Taster Elizabeth O'Neill led us through the proper tasting methods, including how to properly nose the aroma, why you don't give it a big swirl as you would with a wine tasting, and how to sip the whiskey for optimal taste.
I loved the Sweet Mash Redux. This bourbon had a really sweet, fruity up-front note that was extremely pleasant and reminiscent of an Irish whiskey. I'd recommend this for a fan of Bushmills or Jameson, anyone who loves fruity notes of apple, pear, or cherry, or those who often complain that bourbons have a harsh taste.
The second whiskey we sampled was Double Double Oaked. A variant of the popular Double Oaked label, this bourbon was aged an additional year. A lot of folks at the tasting detected deep, spicy notes in this one. At first, I found it very unstructured with a strong burn. However, when paired with the cheesecake samples we were provided, it was delightfully spicy against the brown sugar crust.
One of my favorite aspects of attending Woodford Reserve tastings is the way that they integrate food to influence flavors. They've developed a fascinating flavor wheel, and they always put great care into choosing food that works with a particular bourbon. Of course, it doesn't hurt when, like last night, the food was chosen by brilliant local chef Ouita Michel.
After the tasting, we moved to the lawn for drinks, snacks, music, and a fabulous display of basket charring.
My cousin Amy and her husband joined us for the festivities!
Chris and Elizabeth used hay from American Pharoah's stall to light the barrel, which was allowed to burn for seven seconds, leaving the barrel "toasted."
The air was filled with a magical scent of roasted marshmallows; it was such a fantastic sensory experience and really illustrated how the toasted barrels produce the rich, caramel-vanilla finish for which Woodford Reserve is known.
Thanks so much to Original Makers Club and Woodford Reserve for the fabulous party and delicious samples!
Original Makers Club + Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Launch Party
Reader discount for Woodford Reserve new product launch and cocktail party!
Raise your hand if you love summertime. And parties. And bourbon. And being the first to try a new bourbon.
Ok, so that was all of y'all, right?
Well, we've got some pretty exciting news. The Original Makers Club and Woodford Reserve are hosting a party Thursday night. Now, that in itself is enough cause for excitement. I mean, the OMC puts on a really good party. Then, you add in the fact that this is the first time that the public will be able to taste the new product in the Woodford Reserve Distillery Series. Oh, and did I mention there's a tasting menu by the brilliant local chef Ouita Michel? And that the party is at stunning Woodford Reserve Distillery?
Well, it still gets better. Because THE ORIGINAL MAKER'S CLUB IS OFFERING A SPECIAL DEAL TO HERKENTUCKY READERS! The tickets to the Tastemakers Event -- where you can be one of the first fifty people in the world to taste the new Woodford Reserve bourbon -- are usually $75 dollars, but HerKentucky readers can purchase them for only $35!
If you can't make it to the tasting, but still want to enjoy a summer cocktail party, you can purchase party tickets -- a $20 value -- for $10. The tastemakers event starts at 5:30 p.m., and the cocktail party starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets; enter code HERKENTUCKY at checkout for half price tickets!!
Cheers and Happy Friday, y'all! I hope to see you at the Distillery next Thursday night!
Original Makers Club Supper + Shoot
A lovely summer dinner party at Louisville's Ashbourne Farms!
Last night, my beau and I drove out to Ashbourne Farms for the Original Makers Club Summer Supper + Shoot.
It was a perfect summer night, the farm was unbelievably beautiful, and, as always, the Original Makers Club made sure that every detail was perfect.
From the Alumninous Airstream Trailer appointed with Kentucky Flags (both Official and Kick-Ass)
to locally-brewed Gents Ginger Ale, local brands were well-represented.
Lexington-based equestrian clothier Bob Mickler's even had my Christmas wishlist on display! (Ha! But seriously, Santa, I do love Barbour!)
I'm pretty sure that the Kentucky Statutes require all outdoor gatherings to include a cornhole board!
It was a gorgeous night, and the OMC did it up right with cocktails, music,
a farm-to-table dinner...
And did I mention that there was skeet shooting? Seriously, so. much. fun!!
Thanks so much to Original Makers Club for a charming Sunday night fête! (And thanks to my beau, Bob Fleu, for the fun photos of me!)