Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

We review Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, the bourbon that helped pioneer secondary maturation, known for its rich, sweet profile.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

A bourbon that defined the early days of secondary maturation. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked was one of the first bourbons to undergo finishing in a different kind of cask to the one in which it was first aged. After maturing in new, white oak casks (as is required for a bourbon by law), Woodford Reserve Double Oaked then spends around 6-12 months in a new, “deeply toasted” and lightly charred cask. This process deepens the flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak that we expect from bourbon thanks to the caramelized wood sugars. It is thought to be around 6-8 years old.


Appearance:
Deep amber with rich copper tones.
Nose:
Caramel, vanilla, and dark fruits upfront. Toasted oak, cocoa, and a touch of almond and hazelnut follow.
Palate:
If you have a sweet tooth, you will love this. Full-bodied with creamy vanilla, toffee, and charred oak. Hints of dried cherry and raspberry, dark chocolate, and subtle spice emerge the longer I hold the bourbon on my tongue. There is also a touch of fresh apple peel and citrus. It is sweet but not sickly. Moreish and decadent.
Finish:
Medium to long. Warming with lingering charred oak, soft spice, and a final touch of caramel, cocoa, and toffee apple.
Comments:
You cannot deny the impact of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked on the practice of secondary maturation. It is now widely used, with brands such as Angel’s Envy following suit. Whilst cask finishes have now become much more experimental (think wine, port, tequila, and rum), Woodford Reserve Double Oaked remains a pillar of the practice.

If you are looking for layer upon layer of complexity and daredevil flavors, this might not be the bourbon for you. However, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a fantastic pour for the bourbon drinkers with a sweet tooth, and those who enjoy revisiting the classics.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash with over half a decade of industry experience. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the global whisky landscape, spanning everything from heritage and production to complex market analysis. A graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme, which champions women in whisky, Beth is a dedicated advocate for diversity and sustainability, focused on highlighting the innovation and storytelling that define the modern whisky industry.

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