Double-oaked bourbon is a type of whiskey aged in two different oak barrels, each of which imparts its unique flavors and characteristics to the final product. Twice barreled bourbon creates a rich, complex flavor profile that is highly sought after by bourbon aficionados. The typical tasting profile of a double oaked bourbon is characterized by rich and complex flavors, with notes of dark caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, brown sugar, dark fruit, toasty oak, and smoky notes.
Bourbons We Like for Double Oaked Options:
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
- Garrison Brothers Balmorhea
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
- Heaven's Door Double Barrel
- Knob Creek Twice-Barreled Rye
- Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
The process of making the best double oaked bourbon begins with the production of regular bourbon. To qualify as bourbon, it must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. The remainder of the mash bill (the mixture of grains used to make the whiskey) can be made up of any combination of grains, including barley, rye, and wheat.
Second Round in New Charred Oak Barrels
After the bourbon has been aged in the first barrel for the required time (usually at least four years). The bourbon is then transferred to a second barrel; this second freshly charred oak barrel for additional aging. This double barrel is often smaller new charred oak barrel than the first, allowing more contact between the bourbon and the oak charred barrels. This extra aging imparts other flavors and characteristics to the final product, resulting in a deeper, more complex flavor profile and sweet oak character.
Some of the best double-oaked bourbon is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor with oak, vanilla, and caramel notes. It has a long, smooth finish and is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Some people enjoy using it as a mixer in cocktails, such as the classic Old Fashioned.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is an excellent entry-level bourbon. It's approachable and easy to drink, but Woodford Reserve Double Oaked also has plenty of complexities that are fun to explore over time. This one has lots of fruits and spices, with a bit of honey sweetness at the end. With it's rich and colorful flavor, this Woodford Reserve Double Oaked an excellent place to start if you want an introduction to double-oaked bourbons.
Old Forester 1910 is another excellent choice for beginners because it offers more complexity than other brands at this price point. This whiskey has notes of caramelized sugarcane on the nose and delivers a full-bodied sweet flavor. Then it finishes with enough spice kick on the back end for balance. In short, it tastes like what your grandmother would make if you asked her for some homemade sherry raisin ice cream! But wait—there's more! The bottle has its own flask inside (if only we could all be lucky).
Let's take a look at some of our favorite double oaked bourbon offerings!
The Great Taste of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a delicious double-oaked bourbon aged in two different oak barrels for a minimum of six years. The first barrel is charred, and the second is toasted, giving Woodford Reserve Double Oaked rich flavor notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey.
Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
In the late 1990s, the company introduced one of the first double oaked bourbons on the market with the release of Old Forester 1910. This expression is aged in two charred oak barrels, which imparts a unique flavor profile to the whiskey. The first barrel, made of #3 char American oak, contributes caramel and vanilla flavors. The second charred oak barrel, made of #4 char American oak, imparts toasty and smoky notes to the whiskey.
The double oaking process used for Old Forester 1910 Very Old Fine Whisky sets it apart from other bourbons on the market and has helped it establish a reputation as a premium whiskey. Today, Old Forester 1910 is widely considered one of the best double oaked bourbons on the market, and is enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The combination of quality ingredients and innovative aging techniques has helped Old Forester establish a lasting legacy as one of the premier whiskey producers in the United States..
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea
Balmorhea is a Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted by Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, TX. This bourbon has aged in oak barrels for 6 years and is smooth and sweet with hints of vanilla and caramel. It has some of the most complex flavors of all the double-oaked options on this list. It's usually available in most stores but has a considerably higher price than other options.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is a double-oaked bourbon aged in new charred oak barrels for 6 years. Then it is finished for an additional year in toasted oak barrels. The toasting process adds a rich, smoky caramel flavor to the bourbon. If you like the taste of toffee and butterscotch, this whiskey is for you!
Heaven's Door Double Barrel
Heaven's Door Double Barrel is the bourbon you should drink if you want to try something different. It's a limited edition release that has been aged in new and used oak barrels for 10 years, resulting in a sweet bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, sharp honey and oak.
This unique combination of flavors makes this bourbon stand out from the crowd. The taste can be described as creamy, with hints of charred oak lingering on your tongue after each sip—perfect for sipping on its own or making cocktails!
Knob Creek Twice-Barreled Rye
Knob Creek's Double Oaked Rye is a limited edition whiskey from the Jim Beam Distillery, and it's one of the most unique bourbons you'll ever taste. The first thing that catches your eye about this rye is its color—it looks like it has been aged in red wine barrels instead of standard charred white oak barrels.
When you take your first sip, you immediately notice the familiar flavors of vanilla and caramel from toasted wood. But then comes a pleasant surprise: A spicy kick! This whiskey has been aged in two types of casks—first-use charred white oak barrels that have been toasted to enhance these flavors and second-use bourbon barrels that add spice notes. It's definitely an experience worth trying at least once in your life.
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye is a double-oaked rye whiskey aged in both new and lightly toasted oak barrels. It's aged for an entire decade before being bottled, giving it a complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel corn. This bourbon goes great with the classic Manhattan cocktail. Still, you can also try it as the base of your favorite whiskey sour or even neat while watching your favorite sport on TV.
Conclusion about Double Oaked Bourbons
Double-oaked bourbons are a great way to add complexity to any whiskey drink. While each of these whiskeys has its unique flavor profile, they all have one thing in common: they're worth trying! You can find these delicious bottles at your local liquor store or bar, so go ahead and pick up a bottle today!
As you can see, there is a lot more to the world of bourbon than meets the eye. Not only are there many different types, but each one has its own unique flavor and character. The best way to experience all that bourbon offers is by spending some time at your local liquor store or bar. You don't have to be an expert. Bourbon enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes, but knowing just a little bit will help you navigate these choices confidently!
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