Category: Whisky Comparison

Whisky Comparison

A combination of side by side whisky / bourbon / whiskey comparison blog posts. A look at all the most popular whiskies and how they rate next to their rivals. From bourbons and Scottish whisky to blends and single malts. A broad collection of comparisons I have tried.

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/11/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon side by side comparison
In this instalment of my ongoing series, I will compare two interesting bourbon releases: Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey.

The aim is to delve into each whiskey’s unique strengths and distinctions. There might even be a clear winner. Previously, I’ve dissected the Elijah Craig 12 year old vs Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon and pitted Jack Daniels Single Barrel against Woodford Reserve bourbon in a side-by-side showdown.

Today, it’s all about Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Let’s start with Jim Beam’s offering. Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey is a more budget-friendly option than the Woodford Reserve Double Oak. This bourbon begins its journey as the standard Jim Beam White Label Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

As bourbon tradition mandates, it undergoes a four-year ageing process in brand-new, charred American oak barrels. The extended maturation period in these fresh charred barrels imparts a heightened spiced oakiness and caramel sweetness to the liquid.

The mash bill for this release consists of approximately 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. Following this initial ageing, the bourbon is transferred to another set of new, charred American oak barrels for further ageing, adding complexity to its flavour profile.

Jim Beam Double Oak is presented in premium packaging featuring embossed glass and textured labelling. It is part of the Beam Suntory portfolio.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon

Now, let’s shift our focus to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. In 2017, I had the pleasure of attending an event featuring Jack Daniel’s & Woodford Reserve, where I had the opportunity to savour the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon.

Launched in 2012, this expression showcases a delightful interplay of creamy, toasted flavours reminiscent of Malva pudding, as my friend Emily noted.

This bourbon begins life much like the classic Woodford Reserve but takes a unique turn during ageing. After its initial maturation, it undergoes a secondary ageing process in brand-new barrels, which are heavily toasted and lightly charred.

The mashbill for the Double Oaked variant comprises 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This secondary ageing imparts a sweet, oak character to the bourbon while enhancing its fruity, vanilla, and caramel notes. This expression marked the first new addition to the Woodford Reserve lineup in over 15 years.

Also Read: Jim Beam bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon whiskey comparison

	Jim Beam Double Oak	Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Type	Bourbon	Bourbon
ABV	43%	43.2%
Colour	Deep golden copper	Golden mahogany
Mash bill	77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Nose	Oak, vanilla bits of toffee sweetness, cinnamon. Not a very complex nose.	Malva pudding, apricot jam, cream, dark cherries, candied fruits, caramel, honey with hints of cinnamon.
Palate	Peppery oak, vanilla, brown sugar, toasted bread, hints of cherries and dry wood. Adding water softens the spiciness a bit, but does not bring the sweeter notes forward.	Honey, toasted oak and fruity spices. Vanilla, caramel with hints of dark chocolate cherries. Rich and smooth. Adding a few drops of water smoothes it out even more and brings a few more sweet notes to the front.
Finish	Overwhelmingly spicy and dry	Medium length with creamy cinnamon and honey.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Dry, woody and overwhelmingly spicy.	Unpretentious and comfortable. It's beautifully smooth, easy on the palate with a warming gentle finish.
You will like it if you are looking for…	If you like a spicy dram, this Jim Beam Double Oak is the bottle for you	Smooth and sweet and just delicious!
Price	$24	$60
Pairs well with	Spicy Chicken, strong cheddar cheese, Grilled New York Strip Steak	Coconut Macaroons, Malva Pudding, dark chocolate, Parmesan Cheese, Roasted Lamb

Now, the moment of truth – the comparison! Tasting these two double oak releases side by side is an eye-opener.

The Jim Beam bourbon is spicier when compared to the Woodford Reserve with a drying oak, vanilla and toasted bread notes. The spiciness in in the Jim Beam overwhelms many of the other notes.

The Woodford Reserve bourbon has a soft, inviting sweetness, beautifully counterbalanced by the spicy oak notes. It boasts a cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate cherry deliciousness and a creamy richness that make every sip a true delight.

I’ve found myself replacing that bottle once or twice already, and it’s easy to see why. When it comes down to it, Woodford Reserve gets my vote every single time.

Notably, there’s a substantial difference in price between them with the Jim Beam being more affordable. However, the Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey reigns supreme when it comes to sheer indulgence.

So, there you have it – Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey. This showdown reveals distinct characteristics and a clear winner for those seeking a top-tier double oaked bourbon experience.

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Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/18/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Johnnie Walker blue Label vs XR blended whisky side by side comparison

Welcome to the next instalment of my whisky comparison series. I look closer at two exceptional releases from Johnnie Walker: the renowned Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR blended Scotch whisky.

These premium blends are part of the illustrious Diageo stable, but what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of these exceptional whiskies to help you make an informed choice.

The journey of Johnnie Walker, from its humble beginnings in a grocery store to its status as a global brand, is a tale well-documented. While Red and Black Label are widely available in bars around the world, the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker range is the Blue Label.

Surprisingly, it’s not the most expensive in their lineup. For instance, the Johnnie Walker King George V is nearly three times the price of the Blue Label, and the John Walker Private Edition collection can retail for over R7,000.

However, in South Africa and many other places, the Blue Label is the whisky that epitomizes success and accomplishment.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label is often considered the whisky of choice when one has “made it” in life. The 21 year old XR release is only R600 more expensive. The Johnnie Walker XR Scotch whisky features a more exquisite bottle and boasts an age statement.

Now, the question arises: Which whisky is the better tasting?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR
The premium Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky is crafted from a blend of old grain and malt whiskies, meticulously curated by Master Distiller Jim Beveridge to echo the style of 19th-century whiskies.

While the Blue Label lacks an age statement, each bottle boasts a unique serial number.

Johnnie Walker XR 21 year old Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR
Honoring Sir Alexander Walker’s Knighthood, the Johnnie Walker XR whisky is a special edition release. This 21 year old blended Scotch whisky draws inspiration from the handwritten blending notes of Sir Alexander Walker himself.

Featuring whisky from the extensive Johnnie Walker stocks, the XR 21 year old is rumoured to include whisky from the now-silent Brora distillery. One remarkable feature of this whisky is its impressive bottle design, complete with a substantial stopper, making it a keepsake even when the last drop is poured.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR 21 year old Whisky

Johnny walker Blue Label vs XR comparison

	Johnnie Walker Blue Label	Johnnie Walker XR
Type	Blended whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	40%
Colour	Light golden amber	Dark gold with red tinges
Nose	Complex with many layers. Peat, smoke with oak and malt. Christmas cake, spice and dried fruit. Adding some water unlocked fresh flowers and florals.	Rich and smooth with sweetness, sherry, ripening summer fruit and flowers Adding water softens the nose and releases more smoky wood and spice.
Palate	Bold with peat and old wood. Water smooths it toward a more floral, sweeter bouquet with notes of oak and toffee.	Notes of ripe cherries, sherry, cinnamon, maple syrup, fruits and oak. Subtle and elegant Water tones down the boldness and takes away the complexity and richness.
Finish	Medium length with notes of pepper and nutmeg, caramels and oak.	Medium length. Notes of raisins and cinnamon spice.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Non age statement. Easy drinking without loosing complexity.	Age statement: 21 yo. More elegant and subtle with red fruits balanced with cinnamon.
You will like it if you are looking for…	Something smooth with Islay / Island notes. A bold winter whisky.	Summer whisky with a more Speyside / Highland caracter. Something sweeter and elegant with a richer finish.
Price	$250	Discontinued
Pairs well with	Roast Beef or tiramisu or a light blue cheese.	Oysters, scallops or duck

Comparing these two exceptional whiskies side by side highlights their differences. The smoky and peaty notes are subtle when sipping the Blue Label on its own. However, the peat and smoke emerge more boldly when enjoyed alongside a sweeter whisky.

The Blue LabelScotch is bold with oak, toffee and floral notes, bits of dried fruit and Christmas spices. The XR brings red fruits, sherry and maple syrup with light oak and cinnamon. It is less bold than the Blue Label but more elegant and complex.

Both are excellent whiskies in their own right, but whether they justify their price tags or stand out in a blind taste test against other premium blends is a separate discussion, perhaps one for our whisky club friends to explore in the future.

For me and John, the Johnnie Walker XR whisky stands out as more elegant and refined when compared to the Blue Label. Its unique bottle design and substantial stopper add to its allure, making it a bottle worth preserving long after its contents have been enjoyed.

In the battle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR whisky, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you opt for the iconic Blue Label or the elegant XR 21 year old Scotch, you will surely experience the craftsmanship and legacy of one of the world’s most renowned whisky brands.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label Whisky

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Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/28/2019

In Whisky Comparison

One question that comes up frequently is, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey – which one should I buy, or which of these two releases is better?” Now, proclaiming one to be superior to the other is challenging. Why, you ask? Well, it’s because each of us has our unique taste preferences when it comes to whiskey.

Personally, I lean towards the sweeter, sherry-finished whiskies and relish a bourbon with a delightful vanilla sweetness. However, I’ve also cultivated an appreciation for the bolder, peatier drams from the mystical Islay region.

In contrast, my husband John leans towards the heavier, spicier whiskies. So, let’s clarify: this series isn’t about declaring what’s good or bad. It’s about guiding you between these two remarkable releases.

If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, lean towards option A, but if you crave that smoky allure, option B is your ticket. So this series is not to define what is good and bad. It is to say, between these 2 releases, if you are looking for something sweeter, choose A. If you are looking for something with smoke, choose B.

Now, let’s delve into a detailed comparison of two heavyweights in the Brown-Forman stable – Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve. Both of these whiskeys have secured a permanent place in my liquor cabinet.

Following this comparison, I’ve undertaken numerous other head-to-head matchups, including the epic Johnnie Walker Blue vs. XR and Old No. 7 vs. Gentleman Jack whiskey showdown.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey

Review and tastig notes Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey with glass Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve

Firstly, let’s clear the air on Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. While many might mistake it for bourbon, it’s officially categorised as Tennessee whiskey. The secret here is the Lincoln County Process, an extra step in the production journey. The whiskey undergoes filtration through a towering stack of sugar maple charcoal, standing 10 feet tall.

This unique process, often called “mellowing” by the folks at Jack Daniel’s, effectively removes impurities and mellows out the corn flavours. After the filtration process, it’s aged in freshly charred American oak barrels and stored in the uppermost section of the warehouse.

The drastic temperature swings in this location work their magic, deepening the colour and enhancing the flavour profile. The mash bill for this particular release comprises 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve

On the other side of the ring, we have Woodford Reserve, a distinguished name in small-batch Kentucky bourbon. Crafted within one of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries, Woodford Reserve brings its A-game with a unique mash bill.

Here, they utilise a higher percentage of rye – 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malt. What sets this bourbon apart is its triple distillation and entry into the barrel at a lower proof, allowing it to mature gracefully for at least six years.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon comparison

	Woodford Reserve	Jack Daniel's Single Barrel
Type	Bourbon	Tennessee Whiskey
ABV	43.2%	47%
Mash bill	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% balted barley	80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye
Colour	Clear honey amber	Dark Copper with hints of mahogany
Nose	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices	Ripe red berries, vanilla, a hint of mint, caramel sweetness, bits of toasted oak
Palate	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. There are notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Rich, buttery and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel	Cherries layered with caramel, vanilla, hints of coffee and cereal balanced with cinnamon and pepper spice. It is rich and complex and the layers open up slowly when you take a second sip. Water releases some more of the sweetness and softens the pepper.
Finish	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices	Long and lingering and ends in notes of pepper and citrus
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Rich and buttery with a great balance between sweet and spicy. Pairs well with a Hawaiian pizza	Big and bold and has a yummy'ness that you don’t want to put down
Price	$40	$54
Pairs well with	Aged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate or roasted hazelnuts	Lazy aged rump steak

Side by side, the differences between these releases are noticeable. The Woodford Reserve is filled with oak, winter fruit, apricots and toffee. The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel has more of a cherry, cinnamon and cereal character.

Both are bold and full bodied with a great finish. The Woodford finish is creamier with a great spiciness balancing the sweetness. The Single Barrel finish is warming with soft lemon pepper.

As I sat down for a tasting session, the question lingered: Which is my favourite? I found myself torn, as I genuinely adore both of these releases. But then, in his infinite wisdom, John helped me see the light. They can both be favourites; they’re simply meant for two entirely different occasions.

Woodford Reserve is the quintessential easy-drinking bourbon, perfect for sharing with friends, a true crowd-pleaser. In contrast, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is reserved for those late-night, contemplative conversations by the flickering firelight, igniting philosophical musings and bonding over life’s complexities.

So, my dear whiskey enthusiasts, the choice between these two stellar bottles ultimately comes down to the moment you wish to create – one filled with camaraderie or one that stirs the depths of your soul.

Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

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