Woodford Reserve Just Dropped Its Highest-Proof Bourbon Ever

Woodford Reserve just dropped its chocolate whisper bourbon. (Photo: Woodford Reserve)

Woodford Reserve unveiled on Thursday its highest-proof bourbon ever. The latest member of the brand’s Distillery Series, the bourbon is named Chocolate Whisper Redux, and it clocks in at a whopping 139.4 proof — just shy of hazmat (140).

“It’s exciting to see how Chocolate Whisper Redux evolved since its initial release in 2021,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said in a news release. “A longer barrel age has enhanced its bold flavor notes while preserving the long finish.”

The Brown-Forman-owned brand shared that a small number of bottles will be available at Woodford’s distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, at 9 a.m. EST. The bourbon has a suggested retail price of $99.99. Woodford shared that the 12-year-old liquid has a “deeper complexity” compared to the brand’s previous release which dropped in 2021.

Yet, the most striking component of this whiskey is not its age but its high proof. Whiskeys that are 140 proof or higher are considered “hazmat proof,” simply because they are considered hazardous. The FAA refuses to allow hazmat-proof whiskeys on aircraft because of their flammable nature. As noted by VinePair, part of the appeal of hazmat whiskeys is they allow the drinker to control the proof by diluting it with water themselves — although some brave souls simply enjoy them neat.

Though this latest offering from Woodford is just shy of hazmat, there’s no question it is incredibly potent. The brand says it has strong flavors of coffee and chocolate. Woodford’s Chocolate Whisper Redux wouldn’t be the first time the brand celebrated this delicious confection.

In December, the bourbon brand dropped a bespoke chocolate bar celebrating the popular cocktail, the Old Fashioned. The bar had orange essence and was infused with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon.

Woodford Reserve Chocolate Whisper Redux Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Toasted oak, clove and nutmeg coupled with chocolate.

Taste: Dark roasted coffee, cranberry, charred oak and cacao nib.

Finish: Rich oak with candied pecan.