Today, we are tasting another one that none of us has tried, the legendary Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked. We say legendary because until now, you could only buy it at the distillery, and even there, it was not always available. Now, for the first time, they have released it nationwide. From their site, “Our most indulgent double-barreled expression. This bourbon undergoes an extended slumber in a second, custom-crafted barrel. Deeply toasted and lightly charred, it unlocks an unparalleled depth of flavor.” All Bourbon lovers have heard of Woodford’s Double Oaked, if not, you need to get out more. Double Oaked is the fully matured Woodford Reserve put into a new charred barrel for a year. With Double Double Oaked, they leave it in the new barrel for two years.
Even with the rollout, Double Double can still be hard to find, is 90.4 proof, and comes in a squarish-looking corked bottle that is completely different compared to most of their lines. The mash bill is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. They do not release an age statement, but the Woodford Reserve is at least 4 years old and since they age it for two more in the second barrel, it is at least 6 years old. We found this bottle for $199, but the next day, we saw it at a Costco for $169, bummer.
Full disclosure, we are fans of the standard Woodford Reserve. It is at a good price point for what you get, is decent on the rocks, and makes a very good old fashion. We are even bigger fans of the Double Oaked, which is also at a good price point and is very good neat or on the rocks. So, by all accounts, we should like this stuff as well.
NOSE
TB: A great nose that is fragrant, soft, and has many nice aromas. Sweet vanilla, caramel, and toffee dominate with a strong oak scent, making its presence known as well. Also, getting an overall fruitiness, with apple being the strongest. Lighter scents include honey, leather, nutty bread, rye, and milk chocolate.
TASTE
TB: Getting all the oak and sweetness we got on the nose but with definitely more spice, including black pepper, cinnamon, and rye. Tobacco and butterscotch make an appearance with hints of leather, honey, apples, and the same nutty bread that we smelled.
FINISH
TB: Medium Long with more sweetness, a touch of rye, and an even slighter hint of mint.
OVERALL
TB: This is good stuff, a little on the pricey side but very good Bourbon. Would buy again.
Nose 4.75 out of 5
Taste 8 out of 10
Finish 4.5 out of 5
Total score 17.25 out of 20 barrels.
Woodford comes through again and delivers a Bourbon that, while smooth and sweet, has very nice complexity as well. That complexity shines through on the nose, taste, and even the finish. As to the price, we know not everyone is waiting to drop $200 on a bottle of whiskey, but think of it as a special occasion drink because it is worth it. This would make a great gift for a Bourbon-drinking friend as well.
You can probably guess our final verdict, we recommend, if you can find it and afford it, buy a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked. You won’t be disappointed.