Woodford Reserve has just released the new Toasted Bourbon

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

In the whiskey industry, it seems that every accident, mistake or error can be turned into something worth selling. All of these stories should be taken with a grain of salt, but the latest happy accident comes from Kentucky distillery Woodford Reserve, which claims its new limited-edition bourbon was the result of an incorrect barrel shipment.

Let’s look at some other “accidents” in whiskey that have led to new releases. Orphan Barrel’s entire concept is based on barrels that were misplaced for years and then rediscovered hidden in the far corners of warehouses (maybe some were better off there). Natterjack has a new release literally called “The Mistake,” an Irish whiskey that was supposedly mistakenly aged in new oak barrels for an additional year. Westward Whiskey says the wrong barley shipment was the source of its recent “Vienna Malt” variety. Even Wild Turkey had a mistake when an employee accidentally mixed bourbon and rye, resulting in “Master’s Keep Unforgotten” in 2022. The bottom line is that these are all plausible scenarios, and it would be pretty bold to just completely make up the stories behind these releases. Still, whisky marketing has always had a bit of nonsense and a dash of boasting thrown in, so it’s understandable to at least question the credibility of such claims.

All of which brings us to the new Woodford Reserve Toasted Bourbon, part of the annual Distillery Series, available in 375ml bottles at the distillery itself and at select retailers in Kentucky (and soon on the secondary market for much more than the $65 asking price). According to the marketing team, Doubled Oaked barrels were accidentally shipped to Woodford in 2017 and filled with new spirit. The difference is that regular Woodford bourbon barrels are lightly toasted and heavily charred, while Double Oaked barrels are heavily toasted and lightly charred (these are used to finish already aged bourbon for the Double Oaked finish). A total of 18 barrels were filled and the distillery team eventually decided to keep them and watch them age in Warehouse C for over six years.

We haven’t been able to taste this bourbon yet, but master distiller Elizabeth McCall thinks the result was worth it. “Toasted Bourbon has produced a delicious whiskey that combines the flavor profile of Woodford Reserves Bourbon and Double Oaked,” she said in a statement. “After more than six years of patient waiting, we are excited to share this unique bourbon with our fans.” Tasting notes include toasted oak and graham cracker on the nose, followed by cinnamon brown sugar, raw honey, baking spices and toasted oak on the palate. Right now, the easiest way to get a bottle might be a visit to the distillery, but you can buy the rest of the Woodford range now from ReserveBar.