Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Review

Welcome to the review for Woodford Double Oaked. This is a product that has always been one of my favorites so I'm excited to give it a formal review. 

Let's get started with the basics. 

Manufacturer: Woodford Reserve

Age: Twice barreled... first barrel age is unknown, but 1 year in the second barrel

Location Produced: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky

Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malt

Aroma (from manufacturer): Rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, marzipan and toasted oak

Taste (from manufacturer): A full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices.

Finish (from manufacturer): Long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple.

Proof/Alcohol: 90.4 (45.2% alcohol by volume)

Who is this for?: Bourbon drinkers... people looking for a smooth bourbon

Cost (Ohio): $51.99 + tax

Let's start the review. 

Taste - Score 28 out of 35

On the nose, Woodford Double Oaked reminds me of the smell when you first walk into a rickhouse, which is a plus. It smells like what I imagine bourbon smells like. 

In terms of specifics, it should come as no surprise that Oak is very prevalent. For the taste, again, very straightforward with lots of Oak and caramel.

Smoothness/Finish - Score 24 out of 25

In my mind, there is no better finish than Double Oaked. It's got a bit of burn to let you know that it's there, but it goes down so easy and smooth. Most of the time, I enjoy my bourbon or whiskey with a splash of water, but with this, there is no need. It's just a delight to drink. 

Intangibles: Color/Appearance - Score 11.5 out of 15.

The bottle is fairly minimalist with the exception of a raised stamp. Overall, it's short and stout and easy to grip and pour. The Double Oaked has a really nice dark color that stands out compared to others and looks great in the glass. 

Availability - Score 5 out of 5

I've never had trouble locating a bottle of Double Oaked. I checked the State website and there were a handful of locations with limited supply, but none were showing no availability.

Overall Value - Score 16.5 out of 20

This is a premium bourbon and that is reflected in the $51.99 per bottle price. For comparison, I can put a 1.75 liter bottle of regular Woodford for $66.99. However, given how easy and enjoyable this is to drink, I have no reservations about rating this a 16.5 out of 20 in value. It's not an everyday bourbon at that price, but it's one worth keeping a bottle on hand at all times to enjoy at a nice dinner or at the end of the day. 

After reviewing this, it's easy to see why it's been one of my favorites for a long time. 

Final Score: 85 out of 100 - Top notch and highly recommended

What do you think? Let me know in the comments. 

Note: This review was done by Mark. The bottle was a purchased at retail in Powell, OH.