Hello my dear viewers, readers, and critiquers!
It’s time for another Whiskey in the midweek, I know it’s been a while, and as detailed in previous posts, this is something that is likely to be more sporadic in delivery moving forward (it’s starting to become a bit expensive to keep up!) . Anyway, this week I have an absolute treat, something I have already shared with a few friends and quite frankly one of the best bourbons I’ve ever had…. Yes, I do say that about every new bourbon I drink. I just love a good bourbon.
Woodford Reserve ‘Double Oaked’
Versailles, Kentucky, USA
$54.99
45.2% / 90.4 Proof
Nose - Nosing this whiskey is one of the coolest bits about it. The Double Oaked really stands up to its bold name and reputation, as you can smell the charred Oak rising from the glass as if the bottle itself was a barrel freshly burned. Aside from the beautiful, fresh and crisp Oak wood notes, I also pull bits of vanilla and candied apples, with just a touch of orange zest.
Pallette - In stark contrast to the woody and charred notes from the nose, the palette delivers an extremely sweet and sensationally cool blast of honey, vanilla, brown sugar, and white chocolate. And that distinction is important, as the difference between a Hersheys bar, and a cookies n’ creme candy. Very smooth, sweet, and a burst of magic - this is what you think of when folks refer to whiskey as “Nectar of the Gods”.
Finish - The finish also comes on unexpectedly, heating things up on the way down and nearly turning the gauge to 10, but sticks around right at 9 and teases the final pull of the trigger. A sensationally intense and aggressive finish, you can taste the old barrel and new oak finish battle with each other to see which has greater stake in this glass.
Thoughts - Overall I think Woodford Reserve has outdone themselves with the Double Oaked. I haven’t had their large production bourbon in years, but it was one of the first bottles I bought of “higher” quality and distinction (anything above Turkey 101 in that time was a VERY expensive bottle for me) and really started me down the path of drinking for more than just getting tipsy. I’m glad to have developed that feeling to a more amicable and reasonable relationship and working to refine my palette instead of my party demeanor may have something to do with that little bottle of Woodford Reserve I bought some 5 years ago. I digress; The Double Oaked is an extremely refined bourbon that is not just readily available in most places, but also well worth the pick-up. If you’re getting into nicer bottles and want to have a great Bourbon lineup as opposed to a wild Scotch collection, this will be way up there with the likes of Angels Envy, Blanton’s, and Jefferson Reserve, among other great, classic bourbons.