Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve adds rye
Almost a decade in the making, Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corp. announced Wednesday that it will begin selling a rye version of its premium Woodford Reserve brand in selected markets beginning next month with a suggested retail price of $37.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
The company said the third permanent Woodford variety, called Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, shows an "ongoing commitment to both whiskey lovers and innovation within the industry."
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Woodford Reserve Brand Director Jason Kempf said the release honors Woodford's fans.
"Time and time again, we kept hearing requests for a rye," Kempf said in a statement. "Woodford Reserve has always maintained a commitment to the spirit of innovation, and the rye is no exception. We're excited to give our fans something they've been so vocal about for so many years, and that is finally ready to share with them."
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As bourbon has grown in popularity in recent years, ryes — more in favor before Prohibition — have made a comeback as well.
The Woodford rye's base is 53 percent rye and complements "the spice characteristics found in the original Woodford Reserve," the company said.
Brown-Forman said Master Distiller Chris Morris has been working since 2006 on the recipe for its rye, which it said requires more attention than traditional bourbon because of the mash.
"One of the primary reasons behind Woodford's growth into the number one selling ultra-premium bourbon in America is because of our commitment to flavor, and that's something that's engrained in everything we do" Morris said in a statement. "Not only does it affect how I approach bourbon production personally, it's the lens through which we view the future of Woodford Reserve, and I couldn't think of a liquid that better embodies that than the rye."
The initial markets include: Kentucky, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
The other types of Woodford are the original Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
Reporter Gregory A. Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4087. Follow him on Twitter at @gregoryahall.