Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon
The Stats
- Distillery: Woodford Reserve
- Location: Versailles, Kentucky
- Type: Finished Bourbon
- Age: Aged at least 5-7 years and up to 2 years in second barrel
- Proof: 90.4 (45.2% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
- Release: January 2025
- Price: $200
Once a quiet cult favorite tucked behind the gift shop counter at the Versailles distillery, Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked has now stepped onto the national stage—at least for those lucky enough to find it. Still extremely limited, the 2025 release marks a new chapter: broader availability without sacrificing the rich, indulgent character that made this bottle famous.
Aged in two heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels—first for 5–7 years, then finished for nearly two more—this isn’t just a second barrel finish. It’s a bourbon transformed. Syrupy, oaky, and dessert-forward, Double Double Oaked pushes the boundaries of flavor and texture, creating a pour that’s unlike anything else in the Woodford line.
And while the concept sounds like a sugar bomb waiting to happen, this batch surprises with more balance than expected. The oak is still present, but it’s better integrated. The sweetness is rich but not cloying. This is Woodford in high-def—over the top, yet refined.
A Toast to Toasted Oak (Times Two)
What began as a distillery-only experiment in 2015 has become one of the most sought-after releases in the Woodford Reserve portfolio. Double Oaked was already a departure from the core Woodford expression—Double Double takes that concept further by extending the second barreling to nearly two years, pulling maximum flavor from the toasted oak.
The mash bill remains familiar—72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley—but the result is anything but. The second barrel amplifies the volume of vanilla, cocoa, and charred sugar, giving this bottle its signature “dessert in a glass” profile. And while the 90.4 proof keeps it approachable, the intensity of the finish ensures it still packs a punch.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or a curious newcomer, this batch is a reminder of why people line up early to get their hands on it.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Immediate blast of butterscotch, dark brown sugar, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate-covered cherries. Beneath the sweetness lies seasoned oak, baking spice, and a hint of leather and caramel. It’s rich, layered, and unmistakably Woodford.
Taste:
Velvety chocolate and full-bodied. The palate continues to open, revealing notes of caramel fudge, vanilla bean, and cinnamon stick, followed by dark fruit and toasted almond. A buttery cream mouthfeel with a savory edge—like burnt toast or tobacco leaf—adds structure. Sweet but not one-note.
Finish:
Long and warm. Fades with cocoa powder, subtle toasted oak, maple glaze, and a hint of toasted coconut. Gentle in proof, but lingering in presence.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
9.5 / 10 - Excellent
This is one of the best finished bourbons we’ve reviewed. The 2025 Double Double Oaked delivers indulgence with intent—bold but balanced, sweet but not flat. Every element is meticulously dialed in, from texture to finish.
At $200, it’s a splurge, and that’s a whole other debate. Is it really worth the price? But for fans of rich, dessert-forward bourbon, this bottle is a standout—easily one of the best releases of the year.
