Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

$50

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Bourbon Review: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Name: Bourbon Review: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Item: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Rating: 8
Author: Beth Squires

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

by Beth Squires
June 15, 2025

Beth Squires is a passionate whisk(e)y enthusiast, writer, and serves as the Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. She is also a current mentee on the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.

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.

To find out more about how Woodford Reserve changed the landscape of secondary maturation, click here.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist. Additionally, she is a mentee currently enrolled in the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.

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