Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

My Price: $49.95

Country/Area: USA/Kentucky

Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery

Proof/ABV: 90.4/45.2%

Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

Barrel: New American Oak finished in Toasted and Lightly Charred Oak

Age: At least 2 years. No Age Statement

Nose: Toasted Marshmallow, Graham Cracker, Burnt Sugar, Oak

Taste: Vanilla, Caramel, Marshmallow, Apple

Some of my favorite whiskies are “finished whiskies”. Angel’s Envy, which is finished in Port Wine Barrels was the whiskey that helped earn me the trail name of “Top Shelf”. Jefferson’s Grand Selections Chateau Pichon Baron which is finished in French Wine Casks is the only whiskey my wife will actually drink. The added flavors that come from finishing a traditional bourbon in a second kind of cask can really set a whiskey apart. Enter Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. I have been a long-time fan of the standard Woodford Reserve Distillers Select. I find that it is sweet and approachable.

When Woodford took this standard Straight Bourbon and aged it additional time in toasted and lightly charred barreled it seems to have turned up the sweetness and complexity. To me the Woodford Double Oaked is almost a dessert whiskey. I get strong smore vibes from this whiskey. Maybe it is in my head, but I swear I can smell and taste the toasted aspect of the second barrel. I enjoy sipping this neat after a dinner or around a campfire with friends. At 90.4 proof it goes down easy with out tasting thin.

My Rating: Stock it! It is a little spendy at $50 a bottle but I find this sweet offering is a great intro whiskey for friends trying to dip their toes into the delicious brown liquor.

Rating scale:

-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?

-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.

-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!

 Smores in a glass.