Woodford Reserve is a globally renowned whiskey. Originally launched in 1996, the brand has become widely known for its bourbon, rye, wheat, and malt whiskeys. One of these whiskeys, however, undoubtedly had a much more noticeable impact on the American whiskey world than any of the rest. I am talking, of course, about Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. 

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, released in 2012, helped redefine premium bourbon by showcasing the impact of secondary maturation, deepening flavors, and inspiring other brands to experiment with double-barreling techniques. Today, I will delve into the Double Oaked bourbon, how it is made, and the everlasting impact that it had on the premium bourbon market.

How Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Is Made

Double Oaked begins life as Woodford Reserve’s standard bourbon whiskey. Distilled from a mash bill comprising 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, the bourbon is matured in new, white oak casks charred at Woodford Reserve’s very own cooperage. Then, once the bourbon is fully mature, it undergoes a secondary maturation in another, new white oak cask that has been “deeply toasted before a light charring”. 

We do not know the exact age of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, as the brand keeps this close to its chest. However, the consensus seems to be that Woodford Reserve Bourbon is aged for around 6-7 years. For the Double Oaked expression, it is estimated that the whiskey spends another 6-12 months in a second barrel. 

The Impact On Flavor 

The secondary maturation in a heavily toasted cask enhances the flavor of the bourbon, adding depth and complexity thanks to the caramelized wood sugars. Woodford Reserve’s traditional flavors of vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, and fruit are intensified. Additionally, the char on the secondary cask can also enhance the smoothness of the bourbon and add to the sweet oak character. As such, Double Oaked displays a different texture and flavor profile to the brand’s standard Kentucky Straight Bourbon whisky. 

Double Oaked has been widely recognized for its deep and complex flavor profile, receiving awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the World Whiskies Awards, and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, to name a few. 

How Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Popularized Secondary Maturation 

Prior to the release of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, secondary maturation or finishing was not common practice. The idea of finishing a whiskey in a second virgin cask was even more outlandish. However, the delicious, smooth-drinking nature of the expression quickly put it on the map amongst both consumers and producers. 

For consumers, Double Oaked appealed to both casual drinkers – thanks to its approachable, sweet profile – and to enthusiasts who were keen to sample this innovative whiskey. Additionally, it changed the perception of what a premium bourbon could be. Whilst previous schools of thought dictated that ‘premium’ bourbon should have either a high proof or a high age statement, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked proved that neither was a requirement. 

Bottled at just 90.4 proof and with no age statement, Double Oaked was – and remains – affordable, approachable, and enjoyable. And it was all thanks to a secondary maturation. It is also worth mentioning that at around $40, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is fantastic value for money.

While other brands had experimented with secondary maturation—Scotland had long embraced the practice, and Old Forester unintentionally created Old Fine Whisky in 1910 by re-barreling whiskey after a distillery fire—it was Woodford Reserve Double Oaked that truly brought the technique into the spotlight in the United States.

A Lasting Impact 

In the years since Double Oaked’s launch, other brands have followed suit. Maker’s Mark uses French oak stave inserts to finish its Maker’s Mark No.46 expression, and Angel’s Envy further expanded on the finishing process by experimenting with port. 

Today, finishing casks and secondary maturation have become extremely popular in the U.S. for both bourbon and American whiskey. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked paved the way for experimentation that would produce some fantastic whiskeys and premium bourbons. 

Read the full article at How Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked Changed Premium Bourbon