High Bank Whiskey War Double Double

Dude, I was so pumped I just dove right into tasting this. Oak is prominent, not dense but full of flavor. Initially, it was hard to pinpoint anything besides oak, oak, and more oak. Maybe some vanilla, but the sweet oak is intense, unlike anything else. A really nice pour. After a second try: On the nose, it's heavy on vanilla and oak. The taste is damn good, with intensely oaky goodness and sweet vanilla. It's easy to drink. The palate is long and smooth with an oaky feel, offering a gentle warmth. It doesn't compare to a Stagg or even an EC Barrel Proof. This 116 proof goes down incredibly well; you wouldn't guess the proof. However, the subtle warmth lingers quite a while, holding on nicely. This is a very drinkable bourbon. If I were to compare it to another bottle, it would be Ragged Branch double oak. The only difference I notice is that RB is woodier, even though it's not a double double. This WW DD is sweet and an excellent pour.

Likely Batch 2. Nose: notes of dark wood shavings, dark fruit, and caramel. Palate: significant sweet oak presence. Thick and chewy texture. Faint dark fruit notes. Finish: a shift in wood character emerges, transitioning from something like cherry or mahogany to hickory. The frequent mention of 'wood' reflects the dominant profile. This drink is akin to experiencing wood in liquid form. Despite its intense woodiness, it's quite enjoyable. However, I wouldn't purchase it at its $100 suggested retail price.

Initially fiery, then sweet and oaky.

Intense heat.