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Woodford Reserve vs Stellum Bourbon
Put Woodford Reserve next to Stellum Bourbon and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Woodford Reserve | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $42 ~$12 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Stellum Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Woodford Reserve Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/7 heat: Woodford Reserve 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).