Woodford Reserve Distillery
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a distinctive core range bourbon that showcases the distillery's innovative double-barrel maturation technique, delivering amplified wood character and depth beyond traditional Kentucky straight bourbon.
Country
United States
Region
Kentucky
More information
Producer
Established in 1996 on a historic site dating to 1812, Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of Kentucky's most respected bourbon producers and one of the few to employ copper pot stills alongside column distillation. Located in Versailles, Woodford County, and owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, the distillery occupies a picturesque position in the heart of bourbon country. Its whiskey is distinguished by refined complexity, balanced fruit and spice, and a commitment to traditional craftsmanship within the framework of modern consistency.
Quick Facts
- Founded: Modern distillery established 1996, historic site dates to 1812
- Location: Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky, United States
- Whisky region: Kentucky
- Whisky type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Ownership: Brown-Forman Corporation
- Signature expression: Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- Production hallmark: Copper pot stills combined with column stills—rare in bourbon production
- Mash bill: Corn, rye and malted barley
- Maturation: New charred American oak barrels in temperature-controlled warehouses
- House style: Dried fruit, toasted oak, vanilla, baking spice and balanced complexity
- Portfolio: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Double Oaked, Rye Whiskey and limited Batch Series releases
A Historic Site Reimagined for Bourbon
The land on which Woodford Reserve now stands has been home to distilling since 1812, making it one of the oldest operating distillery sites in Kentucky. Originally known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery and later as Labrot & Graham, the property changed hands and names across two centuries before Brown-Forman acquired it in the early 1940s.
In 1996, Brown-Forman undertook an extensive restoration and reopened the site as Woodford Reserve Distillery, preserving its limestone buildings, native stone architecture and connection to Kentucky's bourbon heritage. The modern distillery honours its past while establishing a new identity rooted in small-batch precision and distinctive production methods.
Copper Pot Stills and Triple Distillation
Woodford Reserve is one of the few bourbon distilleries to incorporate copper pot stills into its production process. While most bourbon is made exclusively with column stills, Woodford Reserve employs three copper pot stills alongside a column still, allowing for greater control over flavour development and a more refined spirit character.
The whiskey undergoes triple distillation, a process more common in Scotch and Irish whiskey production than American bourbon. This extended distillation cycle produces a cleaner, more delicate new-make spirit that carries forward into maturation with clarity and balance.
The combination of pot and column distillation, triple distillation and a carefully composed mash bill creates the foundation for Woodford Reserve's signature house style: approachable yet layered, rich without heaviness, and structured for both immediate enjoyment and patient appreciation.
Maturation in Charred American Oak
Following distillation, Woodford Reserve bourbon is matured exclusively in new charred American oak barrels, as required by law for Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The distillery uses temperature-controlled warehouses to manage the seasonal fluctuations that drive interaction between spirit and wood, ensuring consistency across batches while allowing the bourbon to develop its characteristic dried fruit, caramel, vanilla and toasted oak profile.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, the distillery's flagship expression, is widely recognised for its balance of sweetness, spice and structure. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked extends maturation by transferring fully aged bourbon into a second, heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel, adding depth, cocoa richness and a rounded mouthfeel.
Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey, made with a high-rye mash bill, offers a spicier, drier counterpoint to the core bourbon. The distillery's Batch Series releases—including Malt, Wheat and limited experimental expressions—demonstrate Woodford Reserve's range and willingness to explore bourbon's stylistic boundaries while maintaining the refined character that defines the house.
Country
Region
Kentucky
Kentucky is the historic heartland of American bourbon whiskey production and one of the most respected whisky-producing regions in the world. Located in the southeastern United States, the state has been home to bourbon distilling for over two centuries, combining natural advantages with deep-rooted tradition to create a spirit that has become synonymous with American craftsmanship. Today Kentucky produces more than 95% of the world's bourbon, making it the undisputed centre of this distinctive whiskey style.
The region's ideal conditions for bourbon production include limestone-filtered water, which removes iron while adding essential minerals, and a climate of warm summers and cold winters that encourages interaction between spirit and oak. Kentucky's rolling hills and rich agricultural heritage provide abundant corn, the primary grain in bourbon production, while locally sourced white oak barrels impart the characteristic vanilla, caramel and spice notes that define the category. These natural advantages have shaped bourbon production in Kentucky for generations.
Kentucky is home to many of the world's most renowned bourbon distilleries, including Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill and Jim Beam. Each distillery brings its own house style while adhering to strict bourbon regulations, producing whiskies ranging from refined small-batch expressions to bold cask-strength releases. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has become one of the most celebrated whisky tourism destinations, drawing enthusiasts from around the world to experience authentic bourbon heritage.
Explore Kentucky whiskies, compare prices from trusted merchants across Europe and discover the best offers with Sipfind.
Grapes
History and Style
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked represents an innovative approach to bourbon maturation from one of Kentucky's most respected craft distilleries. This core range expression begins its journey like traditional Woodford Reserve bourbon, but then undergoes a secondary maturation in a second barrel that has been heavily toasted and lightly charred, creating a unique flavor profile that emphasizes wood-derived richness and complexity.
Quick Facts
- Country: United States
- Style: Double-barreled premium Kentucky bourbon with enhanced oak influence
- Alcohol (ABV): 45.2% (90.4 proof)
- Tasting Profile: Toasted oak, caramel, dark fruit, vanilla, honey, chocolate, baking spices
- Food Pairing: Grilled meats, barbecue, dark chocolate, pecan pie, aged cheddar
- Consumer Profile: Bourbon enthusiasts, premium spirits consumers, gift buyers
- Age Statement: NAS (No Age Statement)
- Release Type: Core Range
Distillery and Production
Woodford Reserve Distillery, located in Versailles, Kentucky, has established itself as a premium bourbon producer that balances traditional craftsmanship with innovative finishing techniques. The distillery's commitment to quality and experimentation is exemplified in this double-oaked expression, which has become a permanent fixture in their portfolio since its introduction. The copper pot stills and careful barrel selection at Woodford Reserve ensure consistency and character across all releases.
Character and Style
The double maturation process creates a bourbon with pronounced oak influence, delivering layers of toasted wood, caramel, dark fruit, and baking spices. The heavily toasted second barrel contributes additional vanilla, honey, and chocolate notes without the aggressive char character found in standard bourbon maturation. At approximately 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), it offers a full-bodied, smooth drinking experience that appeals to both bourbon enthusiasts and those exploring premium American whiskey.
Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in elevated cocktails, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked showcases the versatility and depth that innovative maturation can bring to Kentucky bourbon. Compare prices across retailers on Sipfind to find the best value for this acclaimed expression.