Whiskey: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Producer: Brown-Forman
Distillery: Woodford Reserve
Whisky Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Mash Bills: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Age: NAS
Region: Versailles, KY
ABV: 45.2%
Aged in Cask: New Charred American Oak
Finish: New American Oak with a heavy toast and light char
Price Range: $
The Woodford Reserve distillery, formerly known as Old Oscar Pepper Distillery and later Labrot & Graham Distillery, is one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky, distilling on-site, although not continuously, since 1812.
Labrot & Graham sold the distillery to Brown-Forman in 1941, who ran it until 1968 when it ceased production due to adverse market conditions. Brown-Forman sold the distillery in 1972 and re-purchased it in 1993.
In 1996 Brown-Forman introduced the Woodford Reserve brand, which was not made on-site but distilled in Louisville using column stills. In 2005 pot-distilled bourbon made at the Woodford Reserve Distillery was incorporated into the Woodford Reserve blend for the first time.
In 2012 the distillery introduced the Double Oaked release, which involves placing the Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon for a second maturation in heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels for nine months, thus providing more depth to the distillery’s flagship bourbon.
Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. However, the Mint Julep, the derby’s cocktail, is made with Old Forester bourbon, also owned by Brown-Forman Corporation.
Tasting Notes for Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
Nose: Aromas of intense sweet vanilla and spices.
Palate: The arrival is rich with plenty of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Adding a few drops of water accentuates the vanilla and caramel while the influence of the oak decreases. Thus, the bourbon becomes more balanced.
Finish: Long and rich. There was a burned-bitter sensation in the finish. Adding water certainly makes the finish less intense and more manageable.
Conclusion: This bourbon is an improved version of the standard Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select. A robust bourbon dominated by oak, if you like rich spice flavors combined with sweetness, you might enjoy it. Adding a few drops of water rebalances the equation. Try it with and without water, and let me know what you think.
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Score: 3/5 ⭐
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$
