Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22 Super Seasoned Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kentucky Straight Bourbon | 50.2% ABV | 100.4 Proof | 700mL | Kentucky, USA | Master’s Collection No. 22 | 2026 Release
Process & Profile
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22 Super Seasoned Oak explores how barrel preparation influences bourbon before the whiskey ever enters the wood. Created under Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, this limited 2026 release uses barrels built from American oak staves seasoned outdoors for five to seven years. That extended exposure distinguishes the release from barrels made with wood seasoned for months or approximately one year.
Weathering the staves over several years helps reduce harsh green tannins and changes how the oak contributes flavor during maturation. The bourbon then spent nine years aging, developing a profile that brings together caramel and vanilla sweetness, fruit, citrus oils, and baking spice. The wood-seasoning period and the whiskey’s maturation are separate stages of the process.
Bottled at 100.4 proof, Super Seasoned Oak offers a detailed look at one of bourbon’s most influential ingredients: the barrel. Its combination of extended stave seasoning and mature whiskey makes it a distinctive addition for drinkers interested in Woodford Reserve’s experiments with oak.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Caramel and vanilla, followed by almond, cherry, and dried red apple accented with cinnamon.
Palate: A velvety combination of vanilla and caramel, lifted by orange oils, cinnamon, and clove.
Finish: Sweet, with warming cinnamon.
What Makes It Special
Master’s Collection No. 22: The numbered 2026 release in Woodford Reserve’s experimental series.
Five to seven years of outdoor seasoning: The barrel staves underwent prolonged weathering before barrel construction.
A focus on oak preparation: Explores how extended seasoning influences tannins, sweetness, and spice.
Nine-year maturation: The bourbon’s aging follows the separate wood-seasoning stage.
100.4 proof: Bottled at 50.2% ABV.
Limited release: A distinct expression for collectors following the Master’s Collection and drinkers exploring barrel-driven bourbon.
How to Enjoy
Start with a neat pour in a tulip-shaped whiskey glass to explore the fruit, vanilla, and spice aromas. Add a few drops of water and compare how the citrus and oak character develop as the whiskey rests.
For a chilled serve, use one large ice cube and allow the dilution to build gradually. A small piece of dark chocolate or lightly toasted almonds would make a complementary pairing without requiring an elaborate tasting setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Super Seasoned Oak” mean in Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22?
It refers to American oak barrel staves exposed to outdoor weather for five to seven years before the barrels were built. This extended seasoning changes the wood’s contribution during bourbon maturation.
How old is Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22 Super Seasoned Oak?
The bourbon matured for nine years. The five-to-seven-year period associated with its name describes the separate seasoning of the barrel wood before the whiskey was added.
What are the proof and bottle size of Woodford Reserve Super Seasoned Oak No. 22?
This release is bottled at 100.4 proof, equivalent to 50.2% ABV, in a 700mL bottle.
Is Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22 Super Seasoned Oak a limited release?
Yes. It is the limited 2026 Master’s Collection release, developed around the effects of unusually long outdoor oak seasoning.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22 Super Seasoned Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey?
You can purchase Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection No. 22 Super Seasoned Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey directly from The Barrel Tap.
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