Whiskey Review: Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Cherry Wood Smoked Barley

While the smell sets you up with the promise of salty weirdness, the taste thankfully presents itself in a more cohesive manner. The first sip is dry, roasty, heavy with minerality, and carries a pleasant astringency, not unlike an American single malt whiskey. The palate coating then pulls out more classic aromas with further sips – the nose becomes straight marshmallow once the palate adjusts to the bitterness of the actual liquid. Smokiness creeps up on you like chili burn- it is most noticeable a minute or two after sipping cessation, and is unfortunately more of a distraction than part of an inline drinking experience. The finish comes across a bit too ashy and falls in contrast to the buildup of brown sugar flavor, which also appears late sip.