In 2017, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked barrels were accidentally delivered to the distillery and filled with new-make bourbon distillate. Unlike standard bourbon barrels, which are lightly toasted and heavily charred, the Double Oaked barrels are treated in the opposite way—heavily toasted and lightly charred.

After 18 barrels were filled, the distillery team noticed they had the wrong barrel. However, master distiller Elizabeth McCall suggested keeping the barrels to see how the whiskey matured.

They were moved to historic Warehouse C, where the flavor development was closely monitored for more than six years. This provided the team with insight into how Woodford Reserve’s bourbon distillate matured in a heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel.

Tasting notes supplied by Woodford Reserve Distillery say Toasted Bourbon has notes of sweet toasted oak, cinnamon, dark cherry, cooked banana and nutmeg.

McCall commented: “Toasted Bourbon resulted in a delicious whiskey that blends the flavor profile of both Woodford Reserve’s Bourbon and Double Oaked. After more than six years of patiently waiting, we’re thrilled to share this one-of-a-kind bourbon with our fans.”

Woodford Reserve Toasted Bourbon (RRP $64.99) is available in limited-edition 375ml bottles and can be purchased at Woodford Reserve Distillery from May 21 2024. It will also be coming soon to select Kentucky retailers.