Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is what happens when one of Kentucky's most storied distilleries applies an innovative second-barrel finishing process to their already acclaimed bourbon. The Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky was established in 1812 by Elijah Pepper and is a National Historic Landmark — widely cited as the birthplace of bourbon, and the site where Dr. James Crow perfected the sour mash process in 1838 that is still the foundation of bourbon production today. Double Oaked brings that heritage to a new level of complexity.
The process is precise and deliberate: Woodford Reserve's classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon is first aged in standard charred oak barrels, then transferred into a second barrel that has been deeply toasted before a light charring. This second finishing step extracts additional layers of soft, sweet oak character — more caramel, more vanilla, more chocolate — producing a noticeably richer, deeper, and more complex bourbon at 90.4 proof. The result is one of the most approachable and beautifully layered double-oaked bourbons on the market.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery |
Woodford Reserve Distillery — Versailles, Kentucky (Est. 1812) |
| Designation |
National Historic Landmark — Kentucky's Oldest Distilling Site |
| Master Distiller |
Chris Morris |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Barrel Finish Select |
| Process |
Finished in a Second Oak Barrel — Deeply Toasted Before Light Charring |
| Color |
Deep Amber |
| Proof |
90.4 Proof |
| ABV |
45.2% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States — Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber — noticeably darker than standard Woodford Reserve
Nose: Rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, marzipan, and toasted oak — complex and inviting
Palate: Full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, citrus, cinnamon, cocoa, and layered spices — the second barrel adds a noticeably richer, sweeter depth
Finish: Long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple, toffee, and warm spice
FAQ
What makes Double Oaked different from regular Woodford Reserve?
Standard Woodford Reserve is aged in a single charred oak barrel. Double Oaked takes that same bourbon and finishes it in a second, specially prepared oak barrel — one that is deeply toasted before a light charring. This second barrel extracts additional caramel, vanilla, and chocolate sweetness, producing a noticeably richer, more complex bourbon with deeper color and more pronounced oak character.
Why is the second barrel "deeply toasted before light charring"?
The toasting process caramelizes the wood sugars deep inside the stave, creating a layer of concentrated sweetness and complex wood flavors before the charring adds an additional layer. This double treatment extracts far more character from the oak than a standard single-charred barrel — which is why Double Oaked is noticeably richer and sweeter than the flagship.
Is the Woodford Reserve Distillery historically significant?
Yes — it's one of the most historically significant distilleries in America. Established by Elijah Pepper in 1812, it's a National Historic Landmark and widely cited as the birthplace of bourbon. In 1838, Dr. James Crow perfected the sour mash process at this exact site — a technique still used in nearly all bourbon production today.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve Double Oaked online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway — fast, insured shipping nationwide.
