Drink of the Day: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (USA)

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a premium Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey known for its rich, complex flavor profile achieved through a unique secondary maturation process. It stands as a hallmark of modern American whiskey craftsmanship.

Company History

The history of the spirit begins at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Distilling on this site dates back to 1812, when Oscar Pepper established the operation alongside Scottish distiller James Christopher Crow. The site is historically significant for the advancements made in the art of distillation by Pepper and Crow. In 1993, the Brown-Forman Corporation purchased and refurbished the property, officially opening it as the Woodford Reserve Distillery and introducing the brand to the market in 1996.

Product History

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked was first released in February 2012. The product is created by taking standard Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select and finishing it in a second, virgin charred oak barrel for approximately one year. This second barrel is deeply toasted before being lightly charred, a process designed to extract additional soft, sweet oak character, resulting in notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, and marzipan. The bourbon is bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof).

Review

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is widely regarded as a high-quality expression. Based on independent assessments from sources such as Breaking Bourbon, Distiller, and The Whiskey Wash, the spirit maintains a strong reputation for its depth and balance. Averaging scores from these professional platforms, the whiskey holds an impressive rating of approximately 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Rocks glass or Glencairn glass | Serving temperature: Room temperature | ABV: 45.2%

Serving Suggestions

• Serve neat to fully appreciate the complex, toasted oak notes.
• Add a single large ice cube to slowly dilute the spirit and open up the aromatic profile.
• Pair with dark chocolate or rich desserts to complement the bourbon's caramel and fruit notes.

Cocktail Recipe

The Double Oaked Old Fashioned highlights the whiskey's inherent sweetness and depth. Yield: 1 serving.

• 2 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

1. Combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in as a garnish.