Woodford Reserve Whiskey Batch Proof 2019 Release: A Bold Masterpiece of Kentucky Bourbon

In the distinguished realm of premium American spirits, barrel-proof expressions represent the most authentic and unadulterated form of the distiller’s craft. The Batch Proof 2019 Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands as a monumental entry in this elite category, offering a bold, uncut, and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of the Woodford Reserve distilling philosophy. As a key installment in the distillery’s prestigious Master’s Collection, this release captures a specific, high-proof batch of bourbon in its most potent and flavorful state. For the connoisseur seeking the full, unbridled character of Woodford reserve whiskey, the 2019 Batch Proof is a benchmark of intensity and complexity that showcases the raw power underlying the brand’s typically balanced profile. This expression is a true testament to the quality of bourbon reserve woodford is known for.
At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we specialize in connecting enthusiasts with landmark releases that define a distillery’s legacy. This guide is your definitive resource for the Batch Proof 2019, providing an exhaustive examination of its robust sensory profile, its place within the innovative Master’s Collection, and its well-earned status as a coveted rare bourbon for collectors.
The Master’s Collection: A Series of Innovation
The Woodford Reserve Batch Proof is a proud member of the distillery’s Master’s Collection, an annual series dedicated to exploring the boundaries of whiskey-making. Unlike the core Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is celebrated for its consistent balance, the Master’s Collection releases are experiments in grain, maturation, and technique.
The Batch Proof series, in particular, has a simple yet profound goal: to present Woodford reserve straight rye whiskey exactly as it exists in the barrel, without dilution. While the standard bourbon reserve woodford is cut with water to achieve its approachable 90.4 proof, the Batch Proof expressions retain their natural cask strength, offering a more concentrated and intense version of the classic Woodford flavor profile. This makes each annual release a unique snapshot of a specific high-proof batch, with the 2019 edition being one of the most celebrated.
The Hallowed Home: Woodford Reserve Distillery
The Batch Proof 2019 is a meticulous creation of the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, this distillery is renowned for its “Five Sources of Flavor,” a meticulous process that includes a unique grain recipe, proprietary yeast, copper pot still distillation, careful maturation in heat-cycled warehouses, and final blending.
This shared provenance is crucial. The 2019 Batch Proof is built upon the same foundational craftsmanship as every bottle of Woodford reserve whiskey. It begins as the same distillate but is bottled without the final step of proofing down, allowing the drinker to experience the full spectrum of flavors that are sometimes muted by water dilution. This is the bourbon reserve woodford in its most powerful and unapologetic form.
The 2019 Vintage: A Profile of Potent Precision
The 2019 release of Woodford Reserve Batch Proof is distinguished by its specific proof point, which is a key factor in its flavor and character.
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Release Year: 2019
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Proof: 123.6 (61.8% ABV)
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Batch: Part of the Master’s Collection
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Mash Bill: The standard Woodford Reserve recipe (72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley)
This high proof indicates a significant concentration of flavors extracted from the oak barrel. The 123.6 proof point of this release promises a robust and full-bodied tasting experience that demands attention and respect, showcasing the pinnacle of what this bourbon reserve woodford can achieve at cask strength.
Tasting Notes: A Robust and Powerful Profile
Tasting a barrel-proof bourbon is an event, and the Reserve Batch Proof 2019 delivers a powerful and complex sensory journey. Its high proof carries a dense concentration of flavors.
Nose
The aroma is immediately rich and bold, with an expected ethanol warmth that signals its high proof. This heat quickly gives way to a deep and inviting bouquet. Pronounced notes of dark chocolate, toffee, and roasted oak are dominant. Underneath, layers of dried cherry, orange marmalade, and baking spices—cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg—emerge. The classic notes found in Woodford reserve whiskey are all present but amplified, creating a profoundly aromatic and complex nose.
Palate
The palate is a full-bodied, viscous, and intense wave of flavor. The high proof delivers a wonderfully thick and coating mouthfeel. The entry is a powerful burst of dark sweetness: molasses, dark caramel, and vanilla extract. This is swiftly balanced by a robust, oak-driven structure that introduces flavors of espresso bean, dark chocolate, and a significant, peppery rye spice. The high-rye mash bill is more pronounced here than in the standard expression, providing a spicy counterpoint that prevents the experience from being cloying. The mouthfeel is “chewy” and substantial, a direct result of its uncut nature.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and evolving. The high-proof heat lingers pleasantly, carrying the spicy and oaky notes for minutes. The sweetness gradually recedes, leaving behind a dry, complex fade of charred oak, dark cocoa, and a lingering peppery tingle. It’s a finish that is both demanding and deeply satisfying, showcasing the raw power of a true straight bourbon whiskey at its full strength.
Context and Comparison: The 2019 Batch Proof’s Legacy
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Within the Batch Proof Series: Each year’s Woodford Reserve Batch Proof release varies in proof and character. The 2019 edition, at 123.6 proof, is known for its excellent balance between powerful oak and rich sweetness. It is often compared favorably to other high-proof years, standing out for its approachable complexity within the high-proof category.
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Versus Standard Woodford Reserve: The difference is dramatic. The standard Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth, approachable, and balanced 90.4-proof spirit. The 2019 Batch Proof is its untamed, powerful, and intense counterpart, offering a glimpse into what the core mash bill tastes like in its most potent and unadulterated form.
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As a Collector’s Item: As a specific vintage from a limited annual series, the 2019 Batch Proof is a rare bourbon that has appreciated in value. Its high critical scores and status as a landmark release from the Master’s Collection make it a prized bottle for collectors seeking the finest bourbon reserve woodford has to offer.
The Acquisition: A Limited-Release Trophy
The Batch Proof is a highly allocated release, and the 2019 vintage is particularly sought-after.
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Price Point: The original MSRP for this expression was positioned as a premium offering. On the secondary market, the Batch Proof 2019 commands a significant premium, reflecting its rarity, high proof, and critical acclaim.
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Availability: As a limited annual release from the Master’s Collection, it is produced in small quantities. It will not be found with a simple search for “bourbon for sale near me.” Acquisition requires a connection to a specialized retailer like Rare Finds Liquor Store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does “Batch Proof” mean?
A: “Batch Proof” means the bourbon is bottled directly from a select batch of barrels at its natural cask strength, without being diluted with water. This results in a higher proof and a more intense, full-flavored whiskey that represents the spirit in its purest form.
Q2: How should I drink a high-proof bourbon like this?
A: To fully appreciate its complexity, it is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass. Allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes will help the initial ethanol aroma dissipate. For those who find the proof too intense, adding a few drops of water is highly recommended, as it can “open up” the bourbon, releasing additional aromatic and flavor compounds.
Q3: Is the Woodford reserve master’s collection Batch Proof a limited release?
A: Yes. It is an annual installment in the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection. Each year’s batch is unique and available only for a limited time, making every release a collector’s item.
Q4: How does the 2019 release compare to newer Batch Proof expressions?
A: Each Batch Proof release is unique. The 2019 is particularly noted for its robust character at 123.6 proof. Newer releases, such as those with different proof points like a hypothetical Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 124.7 or Woodford reserve batch proof 119.5, would have their own distinct balance of sweetness, spice, and oak.
Q5: Where can I find a bottle of the Woodford reserve master’s collection batch proof 2019 for sale?
A: For a bottle of this rarity, your most reliable path is through a specialized retailer like Rare Finds Liquor Store. We provide a trusted source for these highly allocated legends. Conventional retail searches will not yield this specific vintage.
Conclusion: A Powerhouse of Flavor
The Batch Proof 2019 Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a masterclass in barrel-proof presentation. It demonstrates the incredible depth and power that underlies the carefully balanced profile of the standard Woodford reserve whiskey. From its intensely aromatic and complex nose to its long, powerful finish, it is a whiskey that delivers a profound and memorable experience.
For the collector, it is a prestigious and essential vintage. For the connoisseur, it is a benchmark for what a well-crafted, high-proof straight bourbon can achieve. It is a testament to the artistry of the Woodford Reserve Distillery and a true rare find that justifies its legendary status with every sip.
At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are committed to the pursuit of whiskey perfection. The Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 2019 is the embodiment of that pursuit—a bold, uncut, and unforgettable expression of American whiskey craftsmanship.
Explore our curated collection of legendary bourbons at Rare Finds Liquor Store. From allocated icons like the Woodford Reserve Batch Proof to other rare American whiskeys as Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon, we are your premier online destination to buy bourbon online.




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