Two icons of craftsmanship – Woodford Reserve whiskey and Baccarat Crystal – have been brought together for a stunning, limited-edition release.

This November marks the launch of Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition: a limited-release, premium Kentucky bourbon whiskey finished in XO cognac oak encased in a striking Baccarat Crystal glass decanter. 

Tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky, lives the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, the birthplace of internationally renowned whisky brand, Woodford Reserve. 

They say good things come to those who wait and for Woodford Reserve’s master distiller, Chris Morris, this is very much his mantra. The process for the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition release began back in 2016 when Chris took matured premium Woodford Reserve Bourbon to fill 12, three-vintage XO cognac casks. While most whiskys are finished for up to 12 months, Morris waited patiently for three years.

The finished result is an elegant, rich and complex flavour profile that balances crisp American and French oak notes, intricate fruit character, subtle spiciness and a creamy confectionary finish.

This ultimate expression of Woodford Reserve is encased in a striking Baccarat glass crystal decanter. Since its inception in 1764, the French designer, manufacturer and retailer of luxury crystal products has become synonymous with a unique savoir-faire and symbolises an inimitable French Art de Vivre.

Each decanter takes five days to craft – and is a striking decor piece in its own right. Engraved on each bottle are the logos of these two icons of craftsmanship and each bottle is topped with a crystal stopper adorned with Woodford Reserve’s initials, ‘WR’. To finish, each bottle is presented in a signature Baccarat crimson-red box with doors that rotate upon opening.

“It’s a significant moment for us as we’re the first Kentucky bourbon to enter a space where typically the finest single malts and cognacs play,” explains Morris. “Kentucky has a history with France, dating back to King Louis XVI, and to honour this history I decided to combine the finest of Kentucky spirits with the finest of French in a collaboration that would bring this history to life.”

In Australia, there will be only 120 bottles of the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition available from November through Dan Murphy’s and selected independent grocers, each retailing for $3000 (45.2% ABV). Don’t miss the opportunity to get your hands on this exclusive limited-edition collaboration. 

Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition Tasting Guide

Aroma: rich toasted oak dusted with chocolate and cocoa notes, creamy vanilla bean and hints of clove and cinnamon spice cover a deep layer of dried fruit and citrus peel.

Taste: elegant vanilla, dark chocolate, dried fruit and creamy caramel top layers of rich malt and oak.

Finish: velvety with a long delicately spiced caramel mocha note.

Do you have a taste for the finer things in life? First, prepare to be tippled with Australia’s most expensive whisky flight you can experience in Sydney. Or, for ultimate luxury, read your way through the world’s 10 most expensive whiskies.