There are a few double-oaked whiskeys that are generally distributed in Utah. In this blind review, four generally distributed whiskeys were reviewed, and one double-oaked whiskey that is not generally distributed in Utah, but is commonly found on the selves outside the state. The five whiskeys included in this blind are Jim Beam Double Oak, Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon, Old Forester 1910, Woodford Research Double Oak, and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel. Jim Beam Double Oak is the only whiskey that is not generally distributed in Utah.
In this blind taste test of double-oaked whiskeys, Woodford Reserve Double Oak emerged as the winner, dominating all three categories: nose, taste, and finish. The complex and sweet aroma, noting the deep caramel, maple, and butterscotch scents that set it apart. The palate was equally impressive, offering a layered flavor profile with a harmonious blend of sweet and oak notes, culminating in a long, satisfying finish.
Old Forester 1910 placed second across all categories, some of the highlights include its bold and robust nose with hints of dark chocolate and charred oak. Its taste was described as well-rounded, with a good balance of sweetness and spice, leading to a warm, lingering and impressive finish.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel took third place, receiving mixed reviews. While its nose was considered pleasant with notes of marshmallow and subtle spices, the taste was found to be slightly less balanced compared to the top contenders, with a finish that, although enjoyable, lacked the complexity of the first two bourbons.
Jim Beam Double Oak came in fourth place, with a nose that is straightforward but underdeveloped, lacking the strong sweet notes of the top three bourbons. The taste was described as somewhat flat, lacking the depth and richness of the higher-ranked bourbons, and the finish was short and unremarkable.
Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon finished last, with a nose that is overly subdued and the palate underwhelming. It did not have the strong aroma or flavors that I expected from a double oak. The finish was described as brief and uninspiring, leading to its placement at the bottom of the rankings.
In summary, there were two tiers of whiskeys in this blind. The top three were very close and required going back and forth between the three to establish the ranking. There was a clear distinction in nose, flavor, and finish when between the top 3 and the bottom 2. The bottom two whiskeys rated very close to each other but rated much lower than the top three whiskeys.
