Woodford Reserve has unveiled Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye Whiskey, a new permanent expression that extends its double-barreling process to the rye category. The whiskey launches nationally in the US, priced at a suggested retail of $54.99 (£42) for a 750ml bottle.
The release builds on the brand’s Double Oaked Bourbon, taking fully matured Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and re-barreling it into a custom-crafted second oak barrel for up to 12 months. That second barrel is heavily toasted and lightly charred to extract additional flavors from the wood.
“Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye is where Rye meets the richness of Double Oaked,” said master distiller Elizabeth McCall. “We are bringing that same meticulous attention to barrel finishing that defined our bourbon over to the rye category, creating an unexpected, complex, and incredibly flavorful whiskey,” McCall added.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYBottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), the expression is classified as a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey finished in a second new oak barrel.
According to the official notes from the brand, Double Oaked Rye presents a rich mahogany color, with flavors of roasted espresso, caramel, lemon custard, and candied pecan.
The new rye follows the template established by the brand’s double-barreled bourbon. Woodford Reserve released its standard Distiller’s Select bourbon in the mid-1990s under Brown-Forman, and it wasn’t until February 2012 that Double Oaked was released as a natural extension of the brand’s flagship.
Trending Content
That bourbon helped popularize a technique now widely adopted across American whiskey. When the bourbon was originally reviewed, it was unique thanks to its trailblazing nature of being a bourbon that was rebarreled in a new charred oak barrel. Other major distilleries had begun to do the same thing. Years later, brands of all sizes have hopped on board the double oaked bourbon train.
Woodford Reserve is produced in Versailles, Kentucky. The brand is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices.
The brand sits within the portfolio of drinks giant Brown-Forman. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord.
Double Oaked Rye is available nationally across the US, at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, and via woodfordreserve.com where shipping is legal.
