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Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
About Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
After enjoying the original Woodford Reserve Bourbon last year, I was looking forward to tasting more of their products. And since I’d previously been recommended Woodford Reserve Double Oaked from a few different people, I made it a priority to try it as soon as possible.
Double Oaked refers to another added step in the aging process. After the Woodford Reserve bourbon is fully matured in new charred oak barrels, the spirit is moved to another oak barrel to continue aging. This second barrel is deeply toasted before being lightly charred and added extra flavor.
Bottle Specs
❖ Spirit: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
❖ Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky
❖ ABV: 45.2% (90.4 Proof)
❖ Moderate Price
Tasting Notes
❖ Color: Amber
❖ Nose: Honey, Stone Fruit, Vanilla,
❖ Taste: Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Cherry, Apple, Slight Spice
❖ Finish: Long, Apple, Vanilla
Cocktail
Double Oaked French Manhattan
1 1/2 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
1/2 oz Chambord
1 Dash Bitters
❖ Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass
❖ Add ice and stir until chilled
❖ Strain into a coupe and garnish with a cherry
Since I was already enjoying the range of flavors in Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, I wanted to use it in a spirit forward cocktail. I was originally considering an Old Fashioned variation but then I came across this Manhattan variation from the Woodford Reserve website called the Double Oaked French Manhattan. This is also my first time using Chambord in a cocktail and I was excited to see if a berry liqueur mixes well with the dark fruit in the Double Oaked.
I was surprised how similar this tasted to a traditional manhattan. I think I would generally prefer a regular Manhattan, but the Chambord was an adequate substitute for vermouth, and mixed well with Woodford Reserved Double Oaked. The fruit notes dominated the overall cocktail, but chocolate and nutty notes came through in the finish. It was a bit disappointing how little I tasted the bitters. I might try a different type, and add another dash or two in the future.
Bottom Line
RATING: 4/5
Woodford Reserved Double Oaked is definitely worth a try, especially if you already enjoyed the original Woodford Reserve bourbon. The honey, spice, and cherry notes are still here, but the extra aging adds rich chocolate, apple, and caramel notes. I really enjoyed these flavors on their own, but they also come through in cocktails, especially spirit-forward ones.
But the price is a bit high for me to feel comfortable using Double Oaked primarily as a cocktail mixer. I was able to find it in the moderate price range, but it also comes in a smaller bottle, so you can try it for a bit less money. And I would definitely checking it out if you are looking for a uniquely flavored bourbon.
As always, drink responsibly.
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