Woodford B&B Barrel Proof Double Oak Bourbon

Woodford Reserve occupies an interesting space in the modern whiskey landscape.  They make an excellent small batch bourbon and were one of the pioneers of the "double oaked" bourbon style, yet among the enthusiast community there is still a sense of untapped potential. And a major reason for this sense is proof point: all of Woodford's standard bottlings are proofed to the same 45.2% abv or 90.4 proof. Even some of their best (and most expensive) special releases like their Double Double Oaked and Master's Collection bottlings were diluted to the same 90.4 proof. Only by hunting down and paying for the Batch Proof release could drinkers taste an uncut version of Woodford. Until now.

We have loved Woodford Reserve Double Oaked since its release way back in 2012. When we finally got the chance to grab a private barrel that would be bottled at cask strength, we couldn't say "heck yeah" fast enough. Distilled from a mash of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, this whiskey was aged at lease four years in a heavily charred new American oak barrel before being re-casked for finishing in a lightly charred and heavily toasted oak barrel. The whiskey was then bottled without dilution at a cask strength of 96.38 proof. Though it may not seem like much, the extra proof turns this whiskey from pleasant sweet sipper to decadent dessert bomb. The nose delights with scents of rich maple syrup, toasted oak, cocoa, fruit leather, creme brulee, and caramel. On the palate it is rich and sweet with flavors of caramel, maple syrup, nutella, sweet cream, toasted marshmallow, old leather, and sweet toasted oak. The finish will leave you wanting more with lingering flavors of fudgesicle, sweet cream, caramel, toasted marshmallow, and milk chocolate.