Distillery: MGP – Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Proof: 105.0 (52.5.0% ABV)
Age: Six Years
Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
MSRP: $50
A solid debut that rewards both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
The Preface Series Bourbon from Woodworks Whiskey Co. serves as their opening statement. Distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, it uses their prototypical high-rye mash bill aimed at balancing the richness of corn with the lively rye spice. Aged six years and bottled at 105 proof, this bourbon aims to attract the attention of drinkers with a solid mix of maturity, approachability and drinkability. The name “Preface” fits perfectly: a beginning chapter that previews what Woodworks intends to build upon.
Woodworks Whiskey Co. Preface Series Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5
Brown sugar. Toasted honey nut cheerios. Cinnamon.
Strengths: The Nose is sweet heat over toasted oak. There is a bright citrus from the rye making the Nose quite lively.
Why It’s Not Higher: A faint edge of heat rises above and mutes the sweeter notes.
Rating Justification: Engaging and refined. The Nose captures the depth of well-aged MGP bourbon.
Palate – 4.5/5
Caramel. Nutmeg. Cracked pepper. Tart cherry.
Strengths: The Palate opens with smooth caramel. Spice on the midsection comes quick.
Why It’s Not Higher: The spice moves toward dryness as the Finish approaches.
Rating Justification: Focused and flavorful. This Palate is classic high-rye MGP. Excellent proof point.
Finish – 3.6/5
Baking spice. Dried apricot. Light char.
Strengths: Pleasantly warm. Spice carries through from the mid-Palate.
Why It’s Not Higher: Fade arrives quickly, leaving char and spice without much residual sweetness to balance it.
Rating Justification: Finish is shorter than expected for the proof and age—more of a functional Finish rather than memorable.
Value – 4.7/5
At $50, Preface Series Bourbon is an overachiever. The combination of six-year age, 105 proof, and MGP pedigree easily outpaces most competitors at this price point. An enthusiast-level profile without a premium price tag. A standout value that rewards both casual drinkers and seasoned collectors.
Woodworks Whiskey Co. Preface Series Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes: The Verdict
Woodworks Whiskey Co. Preface Series Bourbon is a confident debut whiskey. The MGP high-rye base creates depth, while the 105 proof point highlights the rye. Though the Finish closes a bit early, the Nose and Palate are craftsmanship in a bottle. This release establishes Woodworks as a distillery to watch.
Verdict – 4.3/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3

Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.
