Introduction
Today, we’re diving into a whiskey that holds a special place for both of us—Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. For Bob, this was the bourbon that made him fall in love with whiskey, and for Brad, it’s been a staple since his wife gifted it to him for his birthday a few years ago. Double Oaked is a unique expression from Woodford Reserve, where their standard bourbon gets an additional aging period in a second, freshly toasted and charred oak barrel. This added aging extracts even more flavors, creating a rich, complex profile. Let’s break down how this bourbon performs.
This review is taken from our episode "Walk the Line / Woodford Reserve Double Oaked." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: This nose is everything you want from a classic bourbon, and that second barrel just amplifies all the great elements. There’s oak, vanilla, and a bit of caramel or brown sugar. If I could create a “classic bourbon” scent, this would be it—just a wonderfully pleasant nose without any overpowering alcohol. I’m giving it a 9/10.
Brad: For me, this nose is just about perfect. It’s warm, caramelly, and filled with tons of vanilla. There’s even a hint of marshmallow sweetness. It’s one of the best noses I’ve experienced in bourbon. I’m going all the way to 9.5/10.
Taste
Bob: This is where I think we start to diverge, Brad. The palate wasn’t as sweet as I expected based on the nose. The oak is there, but it lacks some of the vanilla and caramel I was hoping for. There’s a vague sweetness, but it’s not the standout here. I’m only giving it a 6.5/10.
Brad: I have to disagree. While it’s not as sweet as the nose suggested, I love the deep oakiness and the layers of vanilla. There’s even a hint of dried fruit in there. It’s a rich, dark flavor profile that I really enjoy. I’m giving it 8.5/10.
Finish
Bob: The finish is where this whiskey shines for me. It’s smooth without any harsh burn, just a gentle warming sensation that lingers with a nice hint of smoke and oak. It’s a mellow, lasting finish that’s the perfect follow-up to the sip. I’m going with 8.5/10.
Brad: I completely agree. The finish is smooth, with a nice Kentucky hug that isn’t overpowering but lets you know it’s there. It leaves a lingering warmth on your throat, and I love it. I’m giving it a 9/10.
Balance
Bob: The balance between the nose, taste, and finish is good, but the taste falls short compared to the other elements. The finish brings it back up a bit, but the sweetness I got on the nose didn’t fully carry through to the palate. I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Brad: I think this whiskey is beautifully balanced. Sure, the sweetness is a little less pronounced on the palate, but the complexity and deep flavors make up for it. I’m giving it an 8.5/10.
Value
Bob: At around $52, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is priced as a high-end bourbon. Considering the unique double-barrel aging process and how well it delivers, I think it’s fairly priced. While it might feel a bit steep compared to regular Woodford, I still think it’s a solid value. I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Brad: I agree that $52 isn’t a bad price for what you’re getting here. It’s a premium bourbon with a lot of class, and while I’d love to see it a little lower in price, I think it’s still a decent value. I’m giving it a 6.5/10.
Final Scores
Bob’s final score: 39/50
Brad’s final score: 42/50
Average score: 40.5/50 or 81/100
Conclusion
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a bourbon that holds up well under scrutiny. With a near-perfect nose and a smooth, warming finish, it’s easy to see why this has been a favorite for years. The taste may not deliver the sweetness we expected, but it offers a rich oakiness that many will love. At 40.5/50, we’d definitely recommend this as a buy—whether as a gift or for your own collection. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a premium, well-balanced bourbon. If you can find it, it’s absolutely worth a try!
