Toast of the Town: Why Bourbon Nerds Are Obsessed With Double Oak

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Tonight's episode dives deep into the world of double oak and
toasted oak bourbon, exploring the science and flavor differences
between various finishing techniques. We examine what sets apart
barrel finishing methods and why they create such distinct flavor
profiles in your favorite bourbons.

• Woodford Double Oak stands as our benchmark for the
category—butterscotch and caramel notes with exceptional
availability
• Peerless offers both Toasted and Double Oak expressions with
higher proof points and distinct character differences
• French oak versus American oak creates notably different
sweetness profiles, with French imparting more butterscotch
notes
• Charred barrels serve as both flavor enhancers and natural
filters for column-distilled spirits
• The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept 5-7, 2025) will feature
exclusive releases with tickets going on sale April 17th
• Old Louisville Whiskey Company's Double Double Oak earned a
spectacular 17/18 rating on our barrel bottle breakdown
scale

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Ever wondered why some bourbons taste like butterscotch while
others lean heavily toward caramel? The secret lies in the
oak—specifically whether that barrel was charred or toasted, and
whether your bourbon spent time in one barrel or two.

We journey through the fascinating world of barrel finishing
techniques, comparing the sweet spot of double-oaked bourbons
against their toasted counterparts. From Woodford Reserve Double
Oak (the gold standard) to Peerless Distilling's twin expressions
and the ultra-premium Old Louisville Double Double Oak, we
explore how these barrel treatments transform whiskey from good
to extraordinary.

The science behind barrel treatment proves fascinating—charring
caramelizes wood sugars and creates a natural filter, while
toasting gently warms the wood to release more subtle flavors. We
learn why French oak tends to produce butterscotch notes while
American oak leans toward vanilla and caramel. Each sip tells a
story of time, temperature, and transformation.

Beyond the tasting, we share details about the upcoming Kentucky
Bourbon Festival (September 5-7, 2025), where bourbon lovers can
sample countless expressions and exclusive releases. Tickets go
on sale April 17th, with early access for "Bourbon Insiders" on
April 16th—definitely an event worth marking on your calendar if
you've fallen in love with these complex, layered whiskeys.

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast,
understanding the oak behind your pour adds a whole new dimension
to appreciation. Which do you prefer—the caramelized richness of
charred barrels or the subtle sweetness of toasted wood? Pour
yourself something special and join the conversation!



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