Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Continuing with the cracking of unopened bottles, today we'll do a classic North American faceoff: Canada vs the US. Representing Canada: Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask & JP Wiser's 15 year rye Representing USA: Maker's Mark no. 46 & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Finishing things off: Woodford Reserve D.O Nose: Double bubblegum, cherries, and milk chocolate. Not at all what I expected but makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Palate: Rich and chocolatey, stone fruits, maraschino cherries and a bit of sweet cigar tobacco. This is the closest thing to adult candy I've ever experienced. Finish: Medium length, with warming spices and cinnamon. The fruity/candy notes take a back seat to the absolute oak bomb that you're left with. It's everything I love about classic WR amplified and with chewing bubblegum. Still think I prefer their Rye over this one, but I sure won't kick it out of bed. 4/5 Final results: US edges Canada by a score of 8.5 to 8. Honestly closer than I thought it would be! 1. Maker's Mark no. 46 French Oaked 4.5/5 2. JP Wiser's 15 year rye 4.25/5 3. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 4/5 4. Wayne Gretzky Maple Cask finish 3.75/5 It was a hard fought battle for the Canucks but they couldn't quite beat the might of the American oak. Until next time folks.

A spontaneous purchase for a weekend from family. After a few glasses and not much left in the bottle, it's time for a proper tasting. Nose: A mild oaky vanilla greets you. Slowly opening, caramel aromas emerge, along with worn leather, blended pumpernickel, and baking spices like allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Eventually, faint wisps of maraschino cherries appear. Palate: Gently spicy upon arrival. No strong or vibrant flavors stand out. A mild blend of caramel vanilla, lemon oil, oak, black pepper, and maple syrup. It's balanced, with no single flavor dominating. Finish: Shorter than I'd prefer. Wood spice, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. It leaves a slightly drying sensation on the palate as it fades. Overall: A very approachable, inoffensive, and enjoyable bourbon. It's not flashy, but it's rich and balanced. The vanilla, maple syrup, and spices are well-integrated. Comparable to Buffalo Trace or a less spicy Eagle Rare. Good for sharing, affordable, and pleasant. [88/100][Tasted: 1/5/25]

Double Oaked - signifying two used bourbon barrels instead of one, a choice I appreciate as a Scotch enthusiast. The nose is filled with woody spices in various forms, very sweet and fragrant, mingled with maple syrup, dark cherries, and chamomile. The initial taste features brown sugar, toasted nuts, and molasses, with only peppery spices tempering the sweetness. A spirituous undertone is noticeable but quite palatable. The finish fades with sugared tannins, marshmallows, and mocha, providing a satisfying conclusion. If you have a fondness for sweetness, this bourbon will be very enjoyable. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

The aroma of this bourbon is unlike any I've experienced. It's like banana bread mixed with molasses and BBQ sauce, plus coffee in the background. Strange, refined, and quite good. The taste mirrors the aroma, which is uncommon. However, the 45.2% ABV results in a thin texture, and the finish can become astringent and watery unexpectedly. This inconsistency prevents it from being perfect. Yet, for $60, it offers incredible value, making the flaws forgivable.

Sweet, with a hint of dark chocolate cherry. The heavy oak notes do not diminish the dark fruit flavors. The first time I tasted this, I didn't think I would ever buy it again. However, after trying it again at a party, I was very surprised by the fantastic flavor for the price. I bought another bottle, and it meets my expectations. I love the heavy mouthfeel, which is something that is probably the biggest thing missing from the double double oaked. 4.15 for the experience, 4.75 for the value.

On the nose, it's sweet and warm banana bread. It's also fruity, with cherry notes and a little maple. The taste is light on the tongue at first but bursts into a rich and warm maple flavor. Banana bread with maple syrup on top is my best approximation, with a bit of proof at the end. Very complex, warm, and sweet. The oak is pleasant, not overdone in my opinion. Very tasty, especially for someone who doesn't usually enjoy Woodford Reserve.