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 Chivas Regal 12 year old vs Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky 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
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.
The mash bill for this release consists of approximately 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. 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.
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. This bourbon pairs well with spicy chicken, strong cheddar cheese and grilled New York strip steak.
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
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. This expression marked the first new addition to the Woodford Reserve lineup in over 15 years.
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 mash bill 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 bourbon works well with coconut macaroons, malva pudding, dark chocolate, parmesan cheese and roasted lamb.
Also Read: Jim Beam bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey
Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
| 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 |
| 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.
On the nose, the Jim Beam brings oak, vanilla and cinnamon. The Woodford Reserve brings rich malva pudding, apricot jam, and caramel, with hints of cinnamon. The Woodford Reserve’s nose is much more complex and inviting than Jim Beam’s.
On the palate of the Jim Beam, there are notes of pepper, brown sugar, toasted bread and hints of cherries. The Woodford Reserve brings honey, toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and dark chocolate cherries. Rich and inviting with a complexity that satisfies.
The Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon is spicier when compared to the Woodford Reserve, with pepper and cinnamon undertones. The spiciness in the Jim Beam overwhelms many of the other notes.
The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked has a softer sweetness, beautifully counterbalanced by the spicy oak notes. It has a creamy richness that makes every sip a true delight.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found myself replacing the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bottle once or twice already, and it’s easy to see why. When it comes down to it, the 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 Double Oaked bourbon whiskey reigns supreme when it comes to sheer indulgence. They are both available on Amazon.
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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Also Read: Talisker 10 vs Sky whisky
Classy review😳
I keep both Double Oak brands along with Angel’s Envy, Basil Hayden, Four Rose’s, etc… Hard to beat Angel’s Envy and Woodford Double Oak for the price point, but I think Jim Beam hit a homerun with their Double Oak rendering. At a average cost of $18, Jim Beam Double Oak is appealing to the masses, although not as full flavored and juicy as Woodford’s Double Oak.
Jim Beam should crawl from the grave and punch you in the cock.
Actually, I like the Woodford too…a little bit. I’m not buying any, but I’m reluctantly drinking it if nothing else is around and someone else is paying for it. Never had the Jim Beam Double Oaked. Don’t need to now. You shit it down to the land of mediocrity. Jim Beam has settled their brand as a mixer for some reason. Jim Beam 8 year black and Signature 12 was good. What a shame.