Chocolate Whisper Redux builds off of two previous Woodford Reserve releases. Woodford Reserve’s 2019 Master’s Collection edition was a chocolate malted rye that delivered a sip that was equal measures flavourful and unique. The company found that the bourbon they made immediately after featured a degree of chocolate malt in its flavor profile. This resulted in a Distiller Series release in 2021 named Chocolate Malt Whisper. The company continued to age barrels from this original run an additional 4 years and let the proof run rampant this time around. In fact, Chocolate Whisper Redux is the highest proof offering to date from Woodford Reserve.
By name alone, Woodford Reserve’s newest bourbon is enough to make dessert lovers take notice. The evocatively titled Chocolate Whisper Redux is a 12-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey big on cocoa and coffee flavors.
For bourbon nerds, the new whiskey carries an even more interesting distinction. Bottled just a shade below 140 proof, the Distillery Series offering is the highest-ABV product in the brand’s history.
“I have had my eye on these barrels for a special release since I started in my role as a master taster back in 2015,” says Woodford Reserve master distiller Elizabeth McCall, speaking exclusively to Food & Wine.
The name “Chocolate Whisper” doesn’t come from any ingredients specific to this bourbon, but rather whiskey distilled right before it. A prior run of bourbon with chocolate malted rye left a subtle but pronounced impact on the whiskey that went through the stills immediately after — a true whisper of lingering chocolate flavour. “The whiskey distillate that went into these barrels had the chocolate influence from the production of chocolate malted rye bourbon we had produced prior to this bourbon run,” McCall said. “Therefore, we flagged these barrels in our system and watched them carefully over the years as they matured to see how the chocolate flavour developed.”
Chocolate Whisper Redux kicks things off with an inviting nose that is full of rich dark chocolate, berry compote, and caramelized sugar. Joining these incredibly pleasing scents, light toasted oak and faint vanilla add further definition, providing a more traditional backbone. Inhaling deeper reveals a hint of tobacco leaf. Considering its proof, ethanol is surprisingly lacking. This is a rich, full aroma that will instantly make you go “wow.”
The flavours at the midpoint are stacked in dense layers, and you're rewarded greatly for spending time dissecting them. The sip puts forward additional delicious chocolate notes of dark chocolate nibs, chocolate babka, and chocolate barley. Providing a reprieve from the chocolate is a mix of dark berry and dried cherry which break through. Combined with the chocolate notes, the flavours are akin to fruit covered in dark chocolate. A dried oak and light rye spice add further variation. Surprisingly, its high proof is manageable, allowing you to spend time enjoying this fantastic midpoint.
The finish carries through the theme of the whiskey, with chocolate notes being a key pillar. Dark chocolate pops, but an underlying light Whoppers candy note adds variation. Traditional notes of light leather, along with bold charred oak and rye spice, appear on the backend. The proof roars its head as a spicy heat envelopes your mouth and lingers. The finish takes on a noticeable chewy quality, which helps propel the heat and extend the sip, allowing it to go out on a high note.
About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is situated among beautiful horse farms - in fact, it’s one of the only places in Kentucky where you can see the state’s two most famous products – Bourbon whiskey and thoroughbred horses – maturing side-by-side. The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States.
We believe the World's Finest Bourbon is crafted through a unique blend of time, patience, science, and art. For years, this philosophy has been championed by our Master Distillers, Chris Morris and Elizabeth McCall, who have been instrumental in driving innovation and shaping the very essence of Woodford Reserve.
In 2023, Elizabeth McCall stepped into the role of Master Distiller, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective. Now, as Master Distiller, she continues to push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship.
With this transition, Chris Morris has moved into a revered role as Master Distiller Emeritus, where his invaluable insights will continue to inform and inspire. Together, Chris and Elizabeth ensure every drop of Woodford Reserve is a true spectacle for the senses.
Elizabeth McCall is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, overseeing quality and innovation and leading special releases, including the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS).
McCall has a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and began her career as a member of Brown-Forman’s Research and Department in 2009.
McCall was a Master Taster and Assistant Master Distiller before being named master distiller in February 2023.
She interacts one-on-one with consumers through personal barrel selections and education on sensory methodology and works to define the quality sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.
Elizabeth and her husband, Matt, have one daughter and a dog, Beasley.
