As one of the most popular premium whiskeys on the market right now, Woodford Reserve has a devoted fan following and legacy as one of the brands that fired up the bourbon renaissance. It’s an enviable spot to be in, as its strong position lets them try all sorts of interesting experiments. That includes its newest release, the delicious Double Double Oaked, a specialty offering only available in Kentucky—until now.
Born from two different barrels, Double Double Oaked is a bit of a wildcard. First off, it’s carries no age statement, though that’s par for the course with Woodford, which batches its whiskeys together to achieve its desired profile. Still, there's a good bit of info on the bourbon's timeline. It rests for “five to seven years in the first barrel, then up to two years in a second barrel,” according to a statement from master distiller Elizabeth McCall. That second barrel is said to have a heavy toasting with a light char, which gives the Double Double Oaked its profile.
Second, it’s a play on a pre-existing product: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. The two are similar, except that Double Oaked hangs out for just about a year in that second toasted barrel prior to bottling. One year is Double Oaked, two years is Double Double Oaked—got it?
Even though Double Oaked is bottled at a higher proof, the additional year of aging makes Double Double Oaked into a fan favorite. The result is a 90-proof liquor with a welcoming palate and upscale spice to round things off.
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Speaking of upscale, the Double Double Oaked is also Woodford’s most expensive regular release yet: $200 MSRP for a 700 mL bottle. It’s a bold move, especially given the rough landscape of the bourbon market. Insiders have been talking for a while about a whiskey “glut,” and the downturn in spirits sales recently affected Woodford’s parent company, Brown-Forman, which also owns Jack Daniels, Old Forester, and Benriach. The company announced a workforce reduction affecting approximately 12 percent of their global workforce, as well as the closure of its Louisville-based cooperage.
Despite some of these headwinds, the Double Double Oaked will likely do well given its outstanding pedigree and history as a must-try for Woodford Reserve fans. Also, and most importantly, the stuff is just plain tasty.
Woodford fans used to have to travel to Kentucky and line up for this once-a-year drop; now, they can finally get their fix closer to home. Double Double Oaked is making its national debut at specialty retailers and select domestic military exchange stores.
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