Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is the sweeter, woodier Woodford, and my Woodford Reserve Double Oaked review is a happy one with a price caveat. It’s dessert-like, and rather lovely.
What is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?
It’s made by Brown-Forman in Kentucky, bottled at 45.2% with no age statement. It starts as regular Woodford Reserve and is then matured for a further period in a second barrel that has been deeply toasted and lightly charred, which adds sweetness and a lot of oak flavour.
It’s a richer, sweeter take on the Woodford style.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked tasting notes
Caramel, vanilla and toasted wood on the nose, with some chocolate, a hint of spice and a bit of dried fruit. It’s sweet and warm.
On the palate it’s smooth and rich, with caramel, chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak and a gentle spice. The finish is long, warm and sweet. It’s a lovely, indulgent bourbon, and very easy to drink.
The best way to drink Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Sip it neat, add a couple of drops of water, or put it over one big cube. It’s a great after-dinner bourbon, and it makes a wonderful Old Fashioned.
How much is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and is it worth it?
About £55 for 70 cl. That’s a lot more than the standard Woodford, and the extra sweetness and richness are real but not enormous. It’s fair, and a treat. Shop prices for Woodford Reserve Double Oaked vary, so look at the retailer link on this page rather than trusting my number to the penny.
Alternatives to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve is the standard version, Angel’s Envy is another sweet finished bourbon, and Maker’s 46 is a cheaper, similar style.
Who should buy Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?
People who like sweet, woody, dessert-style bourbon.
Verdict: should you buy Woodford Reserve Double Oaked?
A sweet, rich, toasty bourbon that’s lovely and a bit pricey. Easy to like. Caskable score: 79 out of 100.
Caramel, vanilla and toasted wood, with chocolate, spice and dried fruit.
Smooth and rich, with caramel, chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak and gentle spice.
Long, warm and sweet.
A sweet, rich, toasty bourbon that is lovely and a bit pricey.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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