Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Review

Folks, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I can also confidently state that Bourbon is pretty good at present for the most part. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t welcome attempts to make it slightly better on occasion. The problem is that a “new” whiskey is very difficult to simply introduce into the market place. You may have to age it 6 years or more years before it’s ready. What is the short term solution? Take what you got and slightly modify it. In the whiskey world, this is commonly done by “finishing” a fully matured spirit. One can further age a whiskey in a barrel that previously held wine or some other spirit for a short period of time, thus changing the end product into something new for the most part. Today’s review of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon whiskey is a great example of this innovation. On to some particulars for this curious offering…

Double Oaked is simply fully matured Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon and further “finishing” it in heavily toasted/lightly charred oak barrels. Essentially you are re-aging it while still retaining the legal requirements for straight bourbon whiskey. This method saves time in that new oak is reintroduced in the aging process, adding fuller flavor development (thus the “double” designation). Toasting an oak barrel caramelizes the surface the spirit comes in contact with and creates fresh  and full oaky notes with creamy vanilla sweetness. This finishing period lasts for about 9 months before bottling.

We expect big flavor for Double Oaked. And given the $50.00 price point for this newbie, we expect to be impressed. On to our review…

SWC Group Review

Nose- Rivers of warm caramel and vanilla. Thick and sweet. Fresh oak threads through with vanilla frosting. Rounds out with hints of eucalyptus and cola. Intense and well balanced. Wow.

Taste- Oaky toffee and buttery caramel. Creamy and sweet with graham cracker/ice cream cone. Thick.

Finish- Medium length. Charred oak with nice toffee. Touch of coffee. Fantastic.

Comment- Solid package. A fantastic flavor experience to behold if you enjoy a little sweet in your bourbon. Expensive? Yes!  We recommend it anyway.

SWC Rating – 88/100

Average Retail – $50.00

Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments section.

Contact us at SpokaneWhiskey@gmail.com