Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon, New 2025 Release

Previously only available at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Woodford County, KY and select retailers across the Commonwealth, this expression will now have nationwide distribution. Big box liquor stores and small hidden gems across the country could see shipments now. Nonetheless, let’s dive into all of the details on our Double Double Oaked review. 

This specific release marks a significant expansion for Woodford Double Double Oaked Bourbon, which has been a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts since its introduction in 2015 via the brand’s Distillery Series. It has been released 6 times in that program, more than any other expression in that experimental series.

Personally, I was introduced to the expression while sitting at a bar in downtown Lexington following a UK basketball game. A fellow bourbon lover and season ticket holder made the statistical reference of a “double double” in hoops to help me remember. From that point on I was on the search for this limited release, but being a local in Bourbon Country has its advantages! So although, this was only released in Kentucky at that time, that wouldn’t be an issue to me. We’ve scored a Distillery Series 375ml at the local liquor store before, and priced at MSRP or near it at least.

Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Double Double Oaked Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy
Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Double Double Oaked Review, Price, Proof, Where to Buy


Woodford Reserve Lineup

Core Expressions

  • Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
  • Woodford Reserve Malt Whiskey
  • Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey
  • Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey

Limited Editions

  • Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked 
  • Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection
  • Woodford Reserve Distillery Series
  • Woodford Reserve Baccarat

Review & Tasting Notes

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked undergoes a unique finishing process, where fully matured Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is aged even further, in a heavily toasted, lightly charred new oak barrel. This extended maturation imparts a deeper richness and spicier character compared to its original counterpart. The additional barrel impact has its own influence on a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that we think is already pretty solid. The additional aging in a second oak barrel enhances the depth and character of this expression.

This broader release of Woodford Double Double Oaked showcases how the brand is utilizing the Distillery Series to gain feedback from customers and expand their lineup. So much so, Brown-Forman sister company Old Forester seems to be taking a page out of their book with their own 117 Series. After all, both brands shared the same Master Distiller for two decades. Moreover, the most well-known brand in their portfolio has one too. The Jack Daniels Distillery Series has been released since 2022 and gaining steam over 7 releases. However, there was a similar offering before that called the Tennessee Tasters’ Series which 7 releases of its own. The Woodford Reserve Distillery Series has had 14 unique expressions since it made its debut in 2015.

As for the juice in the bottle, the 90.4 proof rating might be a breaking point for some bourbon enthusiasts (or proof hounds), but we’re not one of them. If you’re a fan of Double Oaked like us, then this bourbon is the next level unlocked. However, there are also noticeable differences, and over-oaked isn’t one of them.

Color

Roasted coffee bean

Nose

A robust medley of rich maple syrup, dark butterscotch, brittle caramel, bittersweet chocolate, burnt marshmallow, and sweet hickory smoke notes dominate the nose.

Palate

Rich dried cherry and cranberry fruit swim in a blackberry jam brightened with hints of ripe apple. Chai tea and warming clove notes develop to spice up the palate.

Finish

Warm and drying with a lingering clove character.

Barrel

Finished in a second, heavily toasted, lightly charred new oak barrel for an additional two years.

Release Date & Availability

The Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked release date is January 13, 2025. It is available in limited quantities at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and select Kentucky retailers, with a national rollout to retailers and select domestic military exchange stores. Follow our exclusive Bourbon Release Calendar to get the latest whiskey releases!

Proof & ABV

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked is bottled at 90.4 proof, equivalent to 45.2% ABV. This proofing is common across many of their products, so no surprise here. 

Mash Bill

The mash bill for Double Double Oaked consists of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This is also a mash bill that is commonly found in many Woodford Reserve expressions.

MSRP & Secondary Price

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked is $200 for a 700 ml bottle. Due to its limited availability and high demand, secondary market prices will command significantly more than this. For example, currently the 375ml bottle from the Distillery Series go for $125 to $175 themselves. This will inevitably cause those bottles to lose value, but this expression is a fan-favorite nonetheless.

Verdict

Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked is something we’ll snap up every time for $60 in the Distillery Series 375ml release which we purchased in 2023. However, with this 2025 release in a 700ml for $200, we expect that option to disappear. “the math just isn’t mathing.” If you run the numbers, Brown-Forman was charging 16-cents per milliliter in the Distillery Series Double Double Oaked then, and now the Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked 2025 release is priced at 29-cents per milliliter. Did they double the aging, or just think nobody would notice?

Nonetheless, that equates to difference of price of $9.44 vs $17.11 per pour. This strategy was used by Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7-Year as they phased out the 6-Year BiB Kentucky-only release for $15, just to introduce a similar but new product for an exponentially inflated price — $50 MSRP. This nose of this tactic smells familiar. Therefore, we’ll pass, but it was good while it lasted. However, if you happen to pay the heavy tax, we drink well with others, and we’ve got plenty of bourbon t shirts to prove it.

Shop Our Gear

You May Also Like