How Many Carbs Are in a Shot of Woodford Reserve? Breaking Down Bourbon Nutrition

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official nutrition data, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of pure Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey contains zero carbohydrates. For those following low-carb diets, this makes a neat or on-the-rocks pour an ideal choice, as all calories come from the alcohol itself, not sugars or starches.

Quick Summary

A standard shot of Woodford Reserve contains no carbohydrates because the distillation process removes sugars. Calories come solely from the alcohol, but mixers can drastically alter the nutritional content.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: A standard 1.5-ounce serving of pure Woodford Reserve bourbon contains 0 grams of carbohydrates.
Distillation Process: The distillation process removes the fermentable sugars and starches, leaving behind a carb-free spirit.
Mixers Add Carbs: The carb count only increases when you add sugary mixers like soda, juice, or cocktail syrups.
Calories from Alcohol: The calories in bourbon come entirely from the alcohol content itself, not from carbs, fat, or protein.
Flavor is a Factor: Flavored whiskeys often have added sugars and are not carb-free, so check labels carefully.
Mindful Consumption: For low-carb diets, drink Woodford Reserve neat, on the rocks, or with zero-carb mixers like sparkling water.

The Surprising Truth About Whiskey Carbs

Many people assume that because bourbon is made from grains, it must contain carbohydrates. The truth lies in the distillation process. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars from the grains (in bourbon's case, primarily corn) to produce alcohol. The subsequent distillation process separates the pure alcohol and other compounds from the fermented mash, effectively leaving the carbohydrates behind. This is why a straight, unflavored bourbon like Woodford Reserve has a carb count of zero.

Where Do the Calories Come From?

With no carbs, fat, or protein, you might wonder why a shot of Woodford Reserve still has calories. The answer is ethanol, or pure alcohol. Alcohol contains approximately seven calories per gram. For a standard 1.5-ounce (45ml) shot of Woodford Reserve's Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), this translates to approximately 110 calories. The higher the proof, the more calories per serving, as it contains a higher concentration of alcohol.

The Carb Culprit: What You Mix It With

While Woodford Reserve itself is carb-free, the moment you add a mixer, the nutritional profile of your drink can change dramatically. Sugary sodas, fruit juices, and cocktail syrups are loaded with carbohydrates and sugar, which can quickly turn a keto-friendly drink into a high-sugar beverage. For those on a low-carb diet, it's crucial to be mindful of mixers.

Low-Carb Ways to Enjoy Woodford Reserve

Neat: Poured straight into a glass at room temperature. The purest form, with zero carbs.
On the Rocks: Served over ice. The ice slightly dilutes the spirit, but the carb count remains zero.
Bourbon and Diet Soda: Mixing with diet cola or diet ginger ale keeps the carb count negligible while adding flavor.
Whiskey Soda: A simple and refreshing option with club soda or sparkling water. Zero carbs.
Old Fashioned (Keto-Friendly): Use a sugar-free syrup substitute instead of traditional simple syrup.

Conversely, traditional mixed drinks can be loaded with carbs. For example, a classic Whiskey Sour made with sugar syrup and citrus juice can contain 12-15 grams of carbs per drink. A whiskey and cola can add 22-30 grams of carbs or more, depending on the serving size and soda used.

Woodford Reserve vs. Common Cocktails: A Nutritional Comparison

To illustrate the impact of mixers, here is a breakdown of the carbohydrate content for a standard 1.5-ounce pour of Woodford Reserve compared to popular whiskey cocktails. The numbers are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients.


Drink Type	Standard Serving Size	Estimated Carbs	Source of Carbs
Woodford Reserve (Neat/Rocks)	1.5 oz	0g	None
Whiskey Sour	~6 oz	12–15g	Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice
Old Fashioned	~3 oz	10–13g	Simple Syrup, Muddled Orange
Whiskey & Cola	~8 oz	22–30g	Regular Cola
Manhattan	~2.5 oz	4–6g	Sweet Vermouth

What About Flavored Whiskeys?

It is important to note that this zero-carb rule applies to pure, unflavored distilled spirits. Flavored whiskies, such as honey-infused or cinnamon-flavored versions, often contain added sugars. This addition significantly increases their carbohydrate content, which can range from 3 to 15 grams per serving. Always check the manufacturer's nutrition information for flavored products, as these are no longer carb-free options.

Conclusion: Drink Smart, Stay on Track

Ultimately, a shot of Woodford Reserve is a carb-free spirit, making it an excellent choice for those managing their carbohydrate intake. The calories in pure bourbon come exclusively from the alcohol. However, your drink is only as low-carb as its mixers. By choosing to drink your bourbon neat, on the rocks, or with a sugar-free mixer, you can enjoy the rich flavor profile of Woodford Reserve without adding any carbohydrates. For official labeling information, you can consult resources like the TTB's guidance on alcohol beverage labeling. As with all alcoholic beverages, moderation is key, and excessive consumption can still impact health and diet goals.

Additional Considerations for a Low-Carb Lifestyle

Beyond just carbs, it's worth considering the overall caloric impact. The calories from alcohol are often referred to as 'empty calories' because they provide energy but no nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. While a zero-carb drink is helpful for a low-carb diet, it's still important to track total caloric intake if weight loss is a goal. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which can temporarily halt fat-burning processes. Therefore, mindful consumption remains the best strategy for balancing enjoyment with health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pure Woodford Reserve has 0 grams of sugar per serving, as the distillation process removes all sugars and other carbohydrates.

Yes, pure Woodford Reserve is an excellent option for a ketogenic diet because it contains zero carbohydrates. Just be careful to avoid sugary mixers.

Most unflavored, pure distilled whiskeys are carb-free. However, flavored whiskeys or those with added ingredients will contain carbohydrates and sugar.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Woodford Reserve contains approximately 110 calories. These calories come from the alcohol itself.

For a low-carb drink, use club soda, sparkling water, or diet sodas. Adding a squeeze of citrus like lemon or lime is also a great zero-carb option.

Drinking pure bourbon in moderation can fit into a calorie-controlled or low-carb diet. However, excessive alcohol intake provides empty calories and can hinder weight loss efforts.

Flavored whiskies, such as honey or cinnamon versions, have additional sugars and flavorings added after distillation. This is where their carbohydrate content comes from.