Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Single Barrel

A single barrel store pick from my county was available, so I grabbed it, even though it cost a fortune. The week before, I had bought Jim Beam Double Oak and couldn't resist getting this clearly better option. The only other time I tried Woodford Reserve Double Oaked was at their distillery. I recall liking it a lot, but I was already pretty drunk by then. (We drank a whole fifth between each distillery visit that day.) Buttery oak is really strong on the smell. Unlike the Jim Beam version, this smells pleasant and not fake at all. I picture a fancy bread pudding with caramel, coffee, and oak, like you'd find at a nice Southern spot. If you've had a decadent bread pudding, you know it's a great way to end a meal. I actually had a fantastic bread pudding at a brewery recently; it was way better than the main course. That bread pudding's buttery oak is all over my mouth, and it's very syrupy. It's sweet enough that you'll probably only want two glasses before switching drinks. The oak and sweetness remain, with hardly any alcohol flavor. I'd almost call this a dessert spirit, even with its proof; it's meant to be sipped and appreciated. I suspect people who don't usually like whiskey might enjoy this because the sweetness is the main thing you taste.

Single Barrel Select from John Howie Steak in Seattle, WA. Aromas of deep brown sugar, vanilla, dark chocolate cocoa nibs, marzipan, and coffee-infused dark chocolate caramels. The palate features dark chocolate malt, dark chocolate mocha, a subtle nutty sweetness akin to almonds with skins, vanilla dark chocolate caramels with sea salt, and a light oaky dryness at the conclusion. The finish is a lengthy, lingering sweetness of dark chocolate caramels, pleasant sweet oak smokiness, and a slightly drying mouthfeel. Scored 92/100. Overall, this is a very well-balanced bourbon that, in my opinion, avoids being overly oaked. The secondary barreling process successfully introduced a delightful toasted cocoa nib/dark chocolate flavor, making it delicious and almost dessert-like. It's excellent enjoyed neat or in an old fashioned or manhattan with coffee or chocolate notes.

Sample from the KCMO store. Happy I tasted it prior to purchasing, as there was significant praise for this bottle, and I expected to enjoy it. My full tasting notes weren't captured, but it presented as much more medicinal than anticipated, with predominant notes of charred wood. I didn't detect the intense sweetness that many others have described. This might have been influenced by having just tasted a wonderful, albeit sweet, finished rye. I should revisit it, but currently, it's not a top contender. This also dissuaded me from purchasing the Old Forester 1910, given the stylistic similarities mentioned.

The nose presents a very sweet toffee aroma with light vanilla. The palate is sweet, followed by a mild burn, then heavy oak and mellow cinnamon notes. The oak and spice persist into a lingering finish. It's a very distinct enhancement of the sweetness and oakiness found in the Woodford profile.

Selected by Whiskey Down, MGM Grand Las Vegas. The aroma is of bananas and honey. It has a sharp taste with some sweetness, more banana, fall spice, and a hint of oak and vanilla. A lingering spice and bitter chocolate note are present. It's zesty yet remains smooth. 8/17/17

This offering from Woodford is exceptional. The nose lacks any ethanol, the palate is very creamy, and the finish is great. I anticipate enjoying this for a considerable time.