How to Drink Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 12:56 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Recommended to let it breathe in a rocks glass, then add water for flavor enhancement by whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
• The taste includes oak, butterscotch, vanilla, and brown sugar.
• Suitable for sipping in a rocks glass or a Glencairn glass.
• Not ideal for cocktails due to its complexity.
• Pairs well with foods like gorgonzola and pear crostini, charcuterie with aged cheddar, dark chocolate truffles, and grilled ribeye steak.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

“My preferred way to enjoy Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon is to first pour it into a rocks glass, allowing it to breathe for a few minutes at room temperature. This waiting period helps to unleash its full array of aromas and flavors.”, comments Bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

A gentle swirl of the glass enhances the experience, releasing the bourbon’s rich and complex scent profile.

Adding a splash of water can be beneficial as this slightly dilutes the whiskey, softening its character and revealing subtle sweet notes that might otherwise be overshadowed.

Related: Compare Woodford Reserve Bourbon vs Double Oaked

Adding water

There isn’t a universal method for adding water to whiskey.

For the Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked whiskey, I suggest starting with one drop of water at a time to adjust the flavor to your preference.

First, take a sip directly from the bottle after giving it a good sniff.

Gradually add water, but be cautious not to add too much as it can diminish the flavor.

Adding Ice

For those who enjoy their bourbon chilled, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked can be served over ice.

However, I prefer to use one large ice cube to minimize dilution while still providing a refreshing coolness to the drink.

This method preserves the integrity of the bourbon’s rich flavors.

Suggested Glassware

I recommend enjoying Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in a rocks glass or a Glencairn glass.

These types of glasses are designed to concentrate the bourbon’s aromatic compounds, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Tasting Notes

Nose:

The initial aroma is dominated by a strong presence of oak, which is both profound and alluring.

It intertwines seamlessly with a rich butterscotch scent, creating a warm, inviting profile.

This is further complemented by a creamy vanilla essence that adds a layer of smoothness.

The nose is rounded off with a subtle yet noticeable sprinkle of brown sugar, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall complexity.

Palate:

Upon tasting, the whiskey greets the palate with a silky texture.

It carries prominent notes of vanilla, which are both lush and comforting.

This is followed by the rich, sweet flavors of caramel and brown sugar, which blend together to create a decadent experience.

Additionally, there’s a subtle undertone of aged leather, lending an air of sophistication and depth to the flavor profile.

Finish:

The finish of this whiskey is long and satisfying.

It features a persistent blend of vanilla and butterscotch flavors, which linger on the palate.

This is complemented by a hint of espresso coffee, adding a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness and rounds out the experience.

The coffee note also provides an invigorating end to the tasting.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in Cocktails

Considering its price, I wouldn’t suggest using this whiskey for cocktails. Instead, the standard Woodford Reserve is a more suitable option.

Among the Woodford Reserve bourbon lineup, the Woodford Reserve Rye stands out as the top choice for cocktail-making.

However, here are some cocktail ideas for you to consider:

Double Oaked Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• Few dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange twist for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a mixing glass.
2. Add Bourbon and fill with ice.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 4 oz apple cider
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Bourbon and apple cider in a mug.
2. Heat gently until warm.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Maple Bourbon Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Mint leaves for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine Bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker.
2. Fill with ice and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with mint leaves.

Food Pairings

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, enhancing the dining experience:

Gorgonzola and Pear Crostini: The creamy cheese and sweet pear complement the bourbon’s rich oak and vanilla notes.

Charcuterie Board with Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of the cheddar and the savory meats bring out the subtle spice and fruit undertones in the bourbon.

Dark Chocolate Truffles: The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the deep, toasted oak flavors of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Grilled Ribeye Steak: The bold flavors of the steak, especially with a bourbon-infused marinade, create a delightful harmony with the bourbon’s complex profile.

Preserving the Bottle

• Keep in a cool, dark environment.
• Maintain a secure seal to avoid oxidation.
• Consume quickly once contents reach 25% to avoid unusual flavor development.

About Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Double Oaked is essentially the regular Woodford Reserve bourbon that undergoes a second aging process.

This finishing phase takes place over an additional 9 months in barrels that have undergone twice the usual toasting duration but with a significantly lighter charring than typical casks.