Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:07 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Old Forester 1910 vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Old Forester 1910 vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Comparison
Old Forester 1910: A unique blend of cherries, caramel, and charred oak, delivering a sweet and oaky journey with a creamy texture. Its double-barreling adds depth and complexity, making it a must-try for those who appreciate nuanced sweetness and oak influence.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Offers a luxurious experience with vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, enriched by a second aging in toasted barrels. Its smooth finish and rich flavor profile appeal to those who love a sweet, smooth bourbon with a hint of spice.
Something to consider: Both Woodford Reserve and Old Forester are Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys sharing the same mash bill.
However, they differ in the following factual aspects:
- Age: Woodford Reserve is aged for 8 years, while Old Forester is aged for 4 years.
- Proof: Woodford Reserve has a proof of 90, while Old Forester has a higher proof of 93.
Verdict: Both Old Forester 1910 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are premium bourbons that showcase the mastery of aging and flavor enhancement through double-barreling. Each offers a unique tasting journey, with Old Forester 1910 highlighting cherry and charred oak, while Woodford Reserve Double Oaked emphasizes vanilla and butterscotch. Ideal choices for those seeking complex, smooth bourbons with rich histories, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Rated Bourbons under $50
Old Forester 1910: A Sweet & Oaky Journey
- Nose: Cherries, maple syrup, charred oak
- Palate: Cherries, caramel, leather, charred oak
- Finish: Oak char, caramel, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, rocks
- Similar to: 1897
Uncork a taste of history with Old Forester 1910, a bourbon steeped in tradition and flavor. This unique expression offers a delectable journey from sweet cherry to bold oak, perfect for both seasoned drinkers and curious newcomers.
Dive into a cherry orchard: The aroma is delicate yet captivating, filled with juicy cherry notes and hints of maple syrup. As you sip, a creamy texture coats your palate, followed by a burst of those same alluring cherries.
Sweet meets spice: Rich caramel and vanilla dance alongside the cherries, balanced by subtle hints of aged leather and toasted oak. The complexity builds with each sip, culminating in a long finish dominated by robust oak and lingering whispers of sweet vanilla and caramel.
Warmth, but not heat: A gentle warmth emerges, adding depth without ever becoming harsh. This is a bourbon meant to be savored, neat and pure, allowing its unique sweetness and nuanced oak influence to shine through.
More than just a delicious drink: Old Forester 1910 is a nod to the past. Its double-barreling technique pays homage to a historical hiccup in 1910, resulting in a bourbon imbued with both sweetness and character.
Old Forester 1910 facts:
- Aged for around 4 years (no official age statement)
- Crafted with a classic bourbon mash bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
- Distilled at the historic Brown-Forman Distillery in Kentucky
- A continuous legacy: Old Forester has been around since 1870, making it the longest-running bourbon brand
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A Sweet & Satisfying Sip
- Nose: Oak, butterscotch, vanilla, brown sugar
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, old leather
- Finish: Long, vanilla, butterscotch, espresso coffee
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Maker’s Mark 46
Dive into a world of buttery caramel and toasted vanilla with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. This bourbon takes smoothness to a whole new level, offering a delightful journey for your taste buds.
Warm welcome: The aroma starts with a gentle whisper of warmth, soon blossoming into inviting notes of oak, caramel, and sweet vanilla. As you sip, a velvety texture caresses your palate, followed by a burst of luscious vanilla and hints of butterscotch.
Spice things up (just a bit): A subtle kick of rye spice adds complexity, balanced by the comforting warmth that spreads through your chest. Don’t worry, it’s nowhere near harsh, but rather a satisfying embrace that deepens the experience.
A lingering delight: The finish is a long and smooth affair, leaving behind a delicious memory of vanilla, butterscotch, and a touch of espresso. It’s like a warm hug in a glass, perfect for sipping and savoring.
Here’s what sets it apart: Double Oaked gets its unique sweetness from an extra aging step in specially toasted barrels. This amplifies the vanilla and caramel notes, creating a richer and smoother experience compared to the original Woodford Reserve.
Is it for you? If you enjoy sweet and smooth bourbons with a hint of spice, this is your guy. But be warned, the warmth might be a touch more noticeable than other expressions. Still, it’s a smooth operator that won’t disappoint.
Double Oaked facts:
- Aged for 7 years, then an extra 9 months in special barrels
- Sweetness boosted by the unique aging process
- Rye spice adds a touch of complexity
- Smooth & satisfying finish
- Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
What do Old Forester 1910 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked have in common?
Made from the same mash
Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, along with Jack Daniel’s, are all brands under the Brown-Forman Corporation.
As part of their production process, both Old Forester and Woodford Reserve employ heavily charred barrels for finishing their whiskeys prior to bottling.
In terms of their mash bill, both Old Forester and Woodford Reserve utilize a combination of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% barley to create their respective whiskey expressions.
How do they differ?
Crafted at different distilleries
Old Forester is produced at the Brown-Forman Distillery located at 2921 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY. On the other hand, Woodford Reserve has its own distillery in Versailles, KY.
When it comes to aging, Old Forester is matured for a minimum of 4 years, allowing the flavors to develop over time. In contrast, Woodford Reserve undergoes a longer aging process, with a maturation period of nearly 8 years.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Proof |
| Old Forester 1910 | $60 | 93 |
| Woodford Reserve Double Oaked | $60 | 90 |