Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon

I really enjoy this. It has a bit more burn than one might anticipate for a 90 proof spirit. It can seem a bit overpowering initially, but there are some good flavors present. Notes of dark cherry, spice, and dark caramel on the aroma. It's good, but not exceptional. There's still a considerable amount of burn. However, the flavors grew on me. Over time, a raspberry jam note became more evident on the palate. There are some nice dark fruit notes that the spice complements well. The oak is quite prominent but not excessively so. The oak pairs excellently with the accompanying flavors. Hints of butterscotch and a touch of coffee are present. The finish is strongly vanilla, which persists with the spice. That vanilla provides a nice final touch after the dark fruit. I could imagine this bourbon being polarizing. For me, the oak and dark fruit notes, along with the spice, harmonize effectively.

This bourbon truly surprised me, and it was a great surprise. I'm certainly not a connoisseur who can identify every subtle nuance. However, I do recognize what tastes good to me, and this definitely did. My typical preference is for sweeter, wheated bourbons, and I generally avoid double-oaked varieties. Therefore, I was quite taken aback by how much I enjoyed this. It possesses an oak character, but it's not excessive—merely enough to provide complexity without dominating the taste. My best description would be: perfectly balanced, full-bodied, and exceptionally smooth when sipped straight. Its mellow quality encourages another taste. However, with ice, it diminishes somewhat, losing the unique qualities that make it stand out. So, my suggestion is to savor it neat. Would I repurchase it? Without a doubt. Here's to good drinks.

Served: A single large ice cube alongside a standard measure Observations: A very mellow profile of oak and a hint of evergreen coat the palate. This then mellows as notes of cherry and vanilla mingle before the wood's spice concludes the experience. Remarks: Excellent flavors considering the cost. It’s a fine drink on its own, but if you're not a fan of a wood-forward taste, this bottle might not be for you. To an extent, its heavy oakiness imparts some of the wood's bitterness. It has a richer, fruitier character without ice, tasting more of cherry.

Light, young, and fruity. The nose is unusual, not bad, just different. I'm getting some grains and cherry. The cherry flavor carries through to the taste. The finish is longer than expected. It's not bad, but it is young. I wouldn't buy a bottle, but I wouldn't be unhappy if it was offered at a friend's place. The sherry influence is quite present without being overpowering. I'm curious to see its potential with more aging; there's a lot of promise there.

Nose: hints of young grain and a slight burst of tannins. Palate: young sweet notes, some red berries, and dried fruit flavors Finish: astringent coffee notes, and the stave finish becomes noticeable towards the end of the drink. An interesting spirit; if I hadn't known it was sherry oak staves, I would have truly thought it displayed characteristics of virgin French oak. Not necessarily bad, but what you might expect from a young spirit.

The nose is primarily wheaty and woody, with subtle hints of fruit and caramel. The palate is warm, oily, and spicy, with a touch of the caramel sweetness lingering. The finish is remarkably smooth, with the spiciness from the palate remaining in the mouth rather than going down the throat. There's a slight medicinal quality to the finish, and the wheat and woody notes from the nose reappear.