Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Sweet Oak (Series No. 21), 55.2%

The 21st release in Woodford’s high-end Master’s Collection aged entirely in chinkapin oak barrels. Native to eastern and central parts of North America, chinkapin tends to lend sweeter notes to a whiskey, and that’s well illustrated here—the nose is rife with ripe cherries, brown sugar-cinnamon butter, and a bright hint of lemon peel. There’s a chewiness to the palate, with more cherry fruit, a crack of black pepper, oak spice, and vanilla soft serve. Cherry reappears on the dry finish, joined by semi-sweet chocolate, peppery spice, and sweet vanilla.