The 12 Best Bourbon Whiskey Brands to Drink in 2023, The Hands-Down Best American Single Malt Whiskey, We spend exorbitant amounts on rare releases, Matthew McConaughey was named creative director, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Palate: Spices, vanilla, vanilla, cocoa, prunes and fruits. We think its the best bourbon under $50 on the market today. The final step in the Woodford Reserve ageing process is a taste test. A classic and much-loved choice for Bourbon fans, Jim Beam offers the best option for those who want the best of both: whiskey and beer. The mash is then transferred to another vat and mixed with yeast and a portion of previously used grains known as sour mash. This whiskey covers a lot of ground with a floral, spicy, woody, and fruity aroma, a medium color, and a lingering finish. The nose of the bourbon is rich and intense, with aromas of oak, caramel, and toffee. While the bourbon will obviously differ depending on which barrel it comes from, this is a really good and affordable whiskey that you should try and compare tasting notes to the classic Black Label. $21 at Drizly. This experiment resulted in a thick, dark Bourbon with complex flavors. And dont be put off by the whisky spelling: it uses a process similar to that of Scotch, but thats where the similarities end. Won the Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Indeed, its an instant classic. Both are Kentucky bourbon. This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon holds the distinction of being the first (legal) whiskey produced in the state since Prohibition . The fermented wash is transferred to their 20 foot tall Vendome column still and then slowly heated. The proof is double the alcohol by volume (ABV) measurement. Posted on Published: November 10, 2022- Last updated: November 12, 2022, Talisker 10: Similar Whiskies & Best Alternatives. Every purchase comes with a karmic boost, as wellHigh West donates 10 percent of profits from the sale of each bottle to the American Prairie Reserve, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving Americas natural resources. Jeffersons believes that temperature fluctuations, salt air, and the gentle rocking of the ship all work together to weather a truly fine Bourbon. This complex spirit is possessed of an array of cascading flavors including black cherry, honeysuckle and pecans. Its sweet and just a little bit spicy, with prominent notes of vanilla and fruit. Notes of espresso beans, rye, ground ginger, rum and toasty oak. Cooked and then left to ferment, the mash develops a complex range of flavours. Some of this is actually helpful in understanding what's out there, while a lot winds up being useless bourbon bloviating. . Ok, this is not technically the most expensive bourbon on the market. 10. Between the two you are considering I would suggest the Woodford Reserve. The liquid needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof. The result is a deep color and spicy flavor profile to the bourbon. When it comes to barrel aging, Michters master distiller Dan McKee and master of maturation Andrea Wilson consider 17 to 20 years to be the fork in the road point at which when certain barrels can achieve an extraordinary level of quality. Its a smooth and subtle whiskey with fruity essence throughout. Beam, who passed away in January 2017, endeavored to make classic Kentucky bourbon. 4 alligator char to help deepen the flavor as the whiskey ages. 28th July 2022. The Best Bourbons to Drink in 2023. In this situation I'd recommend the Four Roses Single Barrel. Ole Jimmy can still be found at the distillery today, but his retirement whiskey is another story. Great bourbon and i even feel alittle smoke in there too, i'm not such a fan och . There is no real meaning behind the term small batch, so for many brands it simply means smaller volume than other whiskies they produce. Nose: Creamy and thick with notes of honey and spice. Wild Turkey generally bottles liquid aged for at least six years, and the barrels are given the more intense No. Long and mature with notes of toasty oaken spice and cereals. Aged: NAS, aged in virgin American white oak. If it isn't already, Four Roses Yellow Label should be your go-to budget bourbon (though the label isn't actually yellow anymore). And note, the release of the 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon has been delayed until 2023, although there is one release of the 10 Year Rye this year. Try adding slices of fresh apple, pear, or peach to a glass of bourbon for a refreshing and flavourful combination. Four Roses. On the palate, it has a robust and full-bodied flavour. After maturation, both of these bourbons are then blended to make Woodford Reserve. The initial heat is palpable, yet not overwhelming. This small-batch Single Barrel Bourbon follows an old-school Kentucky recipe with a high rye content. Four Roses Small Batch vs Woodford Reserve: Price comparison. Best Kentucky Experience Tour: Bourbon and . Availability: For a premium, it's likely one of the easiest to find. This liquor features an unusually high rye content in the mash, producing a spicy kick. To help us rank the best Bourbons in the world, we looked at a number of different factors, including the proof, age, and price. These barrels are charred on the inside for maximum flavor and smokey notes. Wild Turkey is a classic, unpretentious American whiskey brand that permeated the publics consciousness well before Matthew McConaughey was named creative director back in 2016. The distillerys affordable flagship expression is bottled at 101 proof (and has a new bottle design), giving this inexpensive, but always dependable bourbon a slightly hotter, spicier edge than other comparable whiskeys. Single Barrel is bottled from casks aged between 8 and 9 years. No matter which one you choose, youre sure to enjoy a delicious and memorable drinking experience. The sweet and spicy notes are the perfect complement to a variety of cheeses. The result is a well-balanced, mocha-tinged whiskey that coats the palate with sweet and spicy goodness. Although both are still great whiskeys. Then, a combination of rye, wheat, and malted barley can also be added. This process has been perfected over time and is a crucial part of the whiskeys taste and quality. Related post: Decode the Four Roses recipes system, Read More Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black | A Whisky Lovers DilemmaContinue, Read More Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail | Which of Ardbeg is best?Continue, Read More Black Label vs Double Black | Which Johnnie Walker is best?Continue, Read More A Battle of the Bowmores: Bowmore 12 vs 15Continue, Read More Hibiki Master Select vs Harmony: An In-Depth Look at Japanese WhiskyContinue, Read More Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich vs Glenmorangie: 3-way Battle of the GlensContinue, For you, the whisky enthusiast, this website is a destination for learning everything there is to know about this iconic drink. With an average price of around $2,500 a bottle, its certainly not cheap, but the range of (mostly dark) flavors and aromas means youll want to savor its uniqueness. Bottled at cask strength after 13 years in barrel, with a bit of finishing in Vino de Naranja Casks, this just-released dram offers whiffs of peach and buttered popcorn, primes the palate with delightful cream soda, candied orange and animal cracker notes, and brings it home with some pepper and lemon zest. In September, Brooklyn-based distiller Widow Jane rolled out the first ever expression in a collection of planned annual releases of mature bourbons sourced from various facilities in flyover states. Makers Mark OR Buffalo Trace OR Four Roses OR Woodford Reserve or Others. Formerly known as Ridgewood Reserve 1792 and 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, 1792 is another brand that offers taste beyond its value. Best Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Maker's Mark. Its highly unlikely any of those bottles ever actually made it to a store shelf, and even less likely anyone procured a bottle for the sticker price. Smooth Ambler 10. This is a blend of more mature liquid selected by master distiller Brent Elliott that is pretty hard to get your hands on, but a lovely sipping bourbon if you do. The John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Reserve offers a host of tastes that go great together, from cocoa to lemon to banana cream pie. The distillery has released some truly fantastic new expressions in its Whiskey Row series, like the 1920 Prohibition Style and 1897 Bottled In Bond, as well as the 117 Series which includes the recent Whiskey Row Fire expression. If you are exclusively looking for a bourbon to make an Old Fashioned the Four Roses is a great choice as the spice and higher proof will make your cocktail more fulfilling. The new make spirit is then aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of four years before being bottled at a minimum proof of 80 (40% ABV). Copyright 2023 Whisky, Whiskey & Bourbon | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Macallan 12 Double Cask vs Sherry Oak Cask. The origins of Four Roses bourbon can be traced back to 1888, when Paul Jones Jr. purchased a small distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It is more tasty and smoother while still providinggreat value for the moneyand a satisfying daily drinker. Its unique flavour and iconic bottle have become a symbol of Kentuckys rich history and distilling tradition. Mashbill - 51% corn, 49% wheat. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. Fit: EXCELLENT. JUNE 4-8: A California luxury road rally like no other. As the saying goes, All Bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is Bourbon. But theres more to it than just semantics. Woodford Reserve Double Oak gets a lumber-y sequel during the aging process. And lets not forget the oak casks: the oak used is first stripped and left to weather for six months. Through this site, I aim to share my knowledge and opinions on Whisky, Whiskey, Bourbon and other liquors, as well as provide tips on how to fully enjoy them. The palate is full and smooth, with a creamy texture and flavours of toasted grains, vanilla, and a hint of nutmeg. There is no such thing as the "best" or even a "better" whisky, since each one of us has our own individual tastes and preferences. Four Roses OESV Someone Say Whiskey . The Bootleg Series Vol III comes in handmade ceramic bottles emblazoned with one of Dylans classic paintings, Sunday Afternoon. Four Roses is owned by the Kirin Brewery Company of Japan. The Woodford Reserve carries 18% rye in the mash making it feel less spicy. Generally, the more years the liquor has spent in its barrels, the better although there are some exceptions. Theres no better example of stellar old-school hooch than this. Aged at least 5 years. The follow up, Mic.Drop.2, was released in 2018 140 bottles at $450 a pop. Nevadas Frey Ranch Distillery (pronounced fray) is one of only a handful of producers in the world to grow all of its grains sustainably on-site, and with good reason; the distillery is located smack-dab in the heart of the lush farming region of the Lake Tahoe watershed. Before being shuttered in 1972, the facility produced brands such as Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, Pappy Van Winkle, and Wellers Cabin Still. The Extra Black is an elegant Bourbon with a heavy caramel flavor and a strong nose of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla. But really the 95 proof core bourbon is a lesser known bottle that you should get more familiar with. By The Bourbon Spirit. They must be distilled in their entirety by a single distiller in a single American distillery within the course of a year. Part of the first wave of so-called small batch bourbons that now command the market, Knob Creek was introduced in 1992 by the late great Jim Beam master distiller Booker Noe. Once the distillers have determined that the whiskey is ready, it is blended, bottled and labelled as Woodford Reserve, Kentucky straight bourbon. Woodford Reserve Bourbon has a fairly traditional mash bill, with its ingredient profile consisting of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Distilled in Tennessee and aged in Kentucky, its a 112-proof flavor bomb, offering everything from tropical fruit to thick clotted cream. Best Overall: James B. Beam Distilling Co. Best Budget Tour: Four Roses Bourbon. The alcohol within the wash evaporates, creating an alcoholic vapour which gets progressively stronger as it rises, until it exits the very top of the column still. Bottles from the original release, which went for $100 at that time, go for thousands now, if you can find them. The difference between Baccarat and the brands other offerings comes from a few final touches: an extra period aging in XO Cognac barrels, the handmade crystal decanters its served in, and its insanely velvety, fruity, sweet, citrus-tinged taste. Wild Turkey is another premium brand thats been distilling whiskey for more than 100 years. But Eddie made sure to halt the aging process in time to retain the vibrant caramel, vanilla, and fruity notes for which Wild Turkey is so famous. The Classic 86 Proof clocks in with slightly higher alcohol content (and more flavor) than your average baseline bourbon, while the Signature 100 Proof is a bartenders best friend. Bulleit Bourbon facts: Mash is made from 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley. Of course, this distillery has its own unicorn bottle, and that comes in the form of the annual release of Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch. If you prefer drinking Jim Beam out of a red plastic cup with a healthy pour of Coke, thats cool too. 3) Wheat Bourbon. Jim Beam was awarded the International Wine & Spirits Competitions Bourbon Trophy back in 2016 and little has changed since. The Port Barrelfinished whiskey is a magnificent testament to his abilities. Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Best bourbon under $50. For six years Jeffersons worked with the Independent Stave Company to develop a proprietary flash-charred barrel made with grooved staves that allows for maximum exposure to oak at the peak of flavor. . Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash (wheat, rye, barley, and corn) and then aged in wooden barrels. They use the OBSV mash bill for their single barrel which usually includes fruit, spicy and a creamy flavor. From sharp cheddar and blue cheese to creamy brie and goat cheese, Woodford Reserve pairs well with many different types. However, a more unusual and unique aspect of Woodford Reserve is that the bourbon is distilled three separate times. Crisp American and French oak notes combine in a bottle that youll save for only the most special of occasions. Simply add one sugar cube or tsp. It was served in some of the most prestigious restaurants, bars, and hotels in the United States, and it was the official whiskey of the United States military. Though it weighs in at a hefty 124.8 proof, Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon drinks surprisingly light. However, its the term used for whiskey thats been produced in select numbers on a limited basis.Sour Mash: The most common mixture of crushed malt and grain meal, sour mash, means adding some of the already used mash into a fresh batch for fermentation. Considered by many to be the worlds finest Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkles Bourbons are so rare and so popular that theres even a term for finding a bottle: Pappy hunting. Top 10 Bourbons Similar To Woodford Reserve. It turned out to be his swan song. Its almost impossible to go wrong with anything Pappy Van Winkle, so if its proving tricky to get your hands on the 23 Year release, the 15 Year and 20 Year are also top contenders. Mouthfeel is delightfully creamy, the finish is long and warm. But as you grow accustomed it becomes sweeter, showing rich fruity notes, along vanilla and honey making itentirely pleasing. This bourbons got brawn, yet its no brute. The perfection option? Youll taste caramel most prominently when sipping this bourbon, rounded off with an expert hint of spicy cinnamon and ginger. In 1998, before master distiller Jimmy Russells 45th anniversary at Wild Turkey (and assumed retirement), his son Eddie set out to create a fitting tribute to his fathers legacy. Its an un-chill-ltered, barrel-proof, straight bourbon whiskey of unusual depth and complexity. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Review . Four Roses is the obvious choice for me. It features powerful vanilla notes combined with hints of honey and a nose of spices and nutmeg. There are, however, some other really good expressions to try besides the classic Black Label. Spicy and sweet, and perfectly balanced, Knob Creek 9-Year-Old packs a solid punch in a single sip. The whiskey smells like butter cake drizzled with cinnamon (enjoyed in a sauna) and tastes like a vanilla sundae topped with caramel and nuts, only boozier. For another great option if you want a great value bourbon with a more modern twist, check our Bulleit bourbon review. Were either still around to sample this rich amber-colored delectation, surely theyd revel in the 2009 Seasoned Oak Finishs robust oakiness and spice, as well as the keen notes of fruit jam, toasted almond, and dark chocolate. Woodford. These cereals are separately milled into coarse flours which are then mixed with limestone water to make a sweet mash. Legend has it that Jim Beams grandson, the late Booker Noe, first created his eponymous bourbon in 1988 as a holiday gift for his friends and family. There are a lot of expensive, difficult to find bottles of bourbon that come out of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. A recount is needed to determine which is better as they are both quite pleasant, are bottled at the same proof and typically offered at the same price. It leans towards the sweeter end of the spectrum but still appeals to all palates. Still, Four Roses deserves points for not being afraid to . In 1878, the property was sold to James Christopher Crow, who changed the name of the distillery to the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery. The aroma is rounded off with oak and a subtle smokiness. Small Batch/Single Barrel: Small Batch. Dont forget to try Old Forester Rye as well, a 65-percent rye whiskey that is soft and sweet on the palate. The huge variety of brands, distilleries, proofs, and ages has made the world of whiskey a fascinating one, albeit slightly challenging if youre not sure where to start. Woodfords mash bill is made from 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% barley. Nose: Rich, fruity, spices, vanilla, chocolate. It has a deeper set of flavors than the Elijah Craig 12 yr old. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This four-grain wheated whiskey from the celebrated Louisville distillerys core range is produced in small batches and boasts big flavor. Four Roses Single Barrel: Overall best bourbon of 2023. Woodford Reserve vs New Riff: Woodford Reserve beats New Riff. Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye . The Single Barrel is an excellent whiskey too, but for something tasty and more moderately priced check out Four Roses Small Batch. Elijah Craig has a particular legacy in the world of bourbon drinking, and the Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a brilliant continuation of just that. The latest is a 16-year-old blend of bourbon that will likely set you back about $500. Its full-flavored and one-of-a-kind, with a reliable, easy-to-drink taste and a smooth and satisfying finish. This whiskey was created in tribute to Heaven Hills longtime master distiller, Parker Beam. This differs between distillers and many distillers stick to one specific ratio to produce their offerings. Photo: Dylan + Jeni Photographed at 10, Montage Beverly Hills. Wild Turkey 12 Year 2012 vs 2022 Comparison . Its easy to spot, too, with an eye-catching label designed by comic book artist Chris Batista. Henderson passed away in September 2013, leaving a legacy of artistry and innovation that will not soon be forgotten. Theres the Bottled in Bond version, which brings the ABV up to 50%, 1783 which has the nebulous small batch designation but is bottled at 90 proof, and lastly the slept-on Evan Williams Single Barrel. Four Roses delivers a gentle spicy touch nicely balanced against charred caramel making it quite tasty. Check our Makers Mark in-depth review to see the price breakdown of each bottle from the brand. . Pear, cocoa, and cherry are among the more prominent flavors. Best Craft Tour: Angel's Envy. Jeffersons rich amber Bourbon is known for its red apple aroma and dried fruit flavor. Wheat bourbons are made in much the same way that traditional bourbons are prepared. The flavour is balanced and rounded out with a slight hint of vanilla. The proof: While the general consensus is that a higher proof (or ABV) number results in a better whiskey, this isnt always the case. Woodfords mash bill is made from 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% barley; the rye content makes it a bit spicy. Blue Run High Rye Bourbon clocks in at 111 proof, and brims with baking spices, stone fruit and black pepper. Ages 21-99, max of 15 per group. The next step differentiates Bourbon from whiskey. Best Non-Bourbon Tour: Copper & Kings American Brandy. Made from a mash of 60% corn, 35% rye and 5% malted barley. Pappy Van Winkles 23-Year Family Reserve wins that crown at a recommended retail price of $3,000. Woodford Reserve Master's Collection 2009 Seasoned Oak Finish. Expect a long-bodied finish with a lingering hint of apple. They claim thats all they had, yet there are whispershushed and reverentialthat a secret supply still remains. All products featured in this article are independently selected by our editors. Evan Williams is a great cheap cocktail bourbon, and you can certainly sip it on its own. Only 4,000 bottles have been made available, so keep your eyes wide, the chance wont come again. The Woodford Reserve Distillery has been distilling on the same site for more than 235 years, making it the oldest Bourbon distillery in Kentucky. Blend: Some whiskey experts may disregard blended whiskey while many others consider it an art. Proof: 90 proof . Either way, its sure to be a winning combination. For example, all ten combinations are used in their Yellow Label bottle whilst four recipes are used in the Four Roses Small Batch release. The grains come from a farm in Quincy, WA, and production takes place at the Woodinville Distillery, which is not far from Seattle. Four Roses Single Barrel is an excellent whiskey for sipping neat or on the rocks. The palate teems with flavors, from raisin to banana to rich dark chocolate. The Four Roses Single Barrel carrieshigh rye presence in the mashand it feels as the first sips are spicy. Four Roses Single Barrel. The Four Roses distillery is located inLawrenceburg,Kentucky, was built in 1910 withSpanish Mission-style architecture, and is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. A favorite among bartenders, this Bourbon offers rich and complex flavors far superior to what you might expect at its price point. Jonah Flicker is a freelance writer who covers booze, food, travel, and lifestyle for a variety of publications. Theres no drink so ripe with history and so rich with flavor quite like Bourbon. Frank August Bourbon . The mash bill for this bourbon is said to be low in rye content, so the predominance of corn makes this a sweet but not saccharine sipper. Fit: GOOD. Imagine owning a pair of Air Jordans personally designed by MJ, or Taylor Swift composing a song about YOUR devastating break-up. Try it with a traditional Old Fashioned or branch out with a Bourbon Sour or Manhattan for a sensational drink. Many enjoy it straight, but its variety of flavors also makes it an ideal Bourbon for cocktails or those dipping their toe into the world of whiskey. Old Forester delivers a fresh and bright flavor profile perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or in a classic cocktail. Four Roses, Tin Cup, you name it. Corn, rye, barley and water are mixed together, heated and then left to ferment in a large vat. Over the last 21 years, incredible new American-made whiskies have come to market, from new and venerable producers alike. $40 AT MASHANDGRAPE.COM. Evan Williams SB10 vs. Eagle Rare SB10. Woodford Reserve is a modern bourbon brand with deep roots per Breaking Bourbon, it's produced and bottled in a distillery dating back to 1780. Itmakes a great sipper due to its smoothnessand is yet spicy due to rich cinnamon notes. There are several single barrel releases to choose from, if you want something closer to Bookers with a higher ABV. Single Barrel is bottled from casks agedbetween 8 and 9 years. Which in some ways is a shame, but for the open-minded, the single barrel presents a hard to find value in whiskey world. Its complex, full-bodied, and surprisingly smooth, with a delicate, long finish thats unbelievably mellow. Each bourbon is aged for a minimum of 4 years at a one-story rickhouse. Woodford Reserve. The mixture is pumped into a fermentation vat with yeast and, commonly, a sour mash mix. A wheat Bourbon combined with a large dash of bitters will result in a well-rounded, spice-heavy Old Fashioned. Batch 02/03 weighs in at 126.4 proof and is sweet and spry as the day is long. The mash is then distilled mostly twice to remove impurities and increase the strength of the liquid. The end of the calendar year is nigh, and media outlets from The New York Times to Thrillist are marking the occasion by unleashing a torrent of Best Of lists. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is a blend of bourbons like the 1792 Small Batch. Details for the 2022 edition will be arriving soon, so stay tuned. "Wheated" just means that wheat is used as a flavoring grain in the mash bill instead of the usual rye, along with the requisite corn and malted barley. For a lighter pairing, try a creamy milk chocolate. It was intended from the start to be a premium brand a radical idea at the time when bourbon was seen as a working person's drink. This yeast is mixed in large vats with the sweet mash and a portion of previously used spent grains known as sour mash. Elijah Craig Small Batch: Smoothest Bourbon. Whiskey must be aged for at least two years before it can be called straight whiskey. Like this article? The distillery is a must-visit for any bourbon enthusiast. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two daughters, and one cairn terrier. With my extensive experience in the industry, I have had the pleasure of tasting hundreds of different liquors, perhaps more than I should have. Finishes with a burst of Wrigleys spearmint and a dash of pepper, aka the chewing gum that should have been. The origin of the name "Four Roses" is a bit muddy - the most popular story says the distillery was founded by a druggist Rufus M. Rose, and that the four . In fact . Theres caramel, sweet corn, toasted grain and orange up front, followed by mint, ginger, black pepper and a dollop of maple syrup. Fortunately, the core eponymous expression from Buffalo Trace is a solid workhorse bourbon that plays well with other ingredients in a cocktail and is solid enough to drink on its own. There are a few facts worth knowing about the Four Roses Single Barrel: Woodford Reserve is pleasant and subtle on the nose, with hints of wood, mint, vanilla and caramel. Id rather use the Woodford Reserve Rye that has many tasting notes in common but with additional rye in the mash making it more spicy and punchy. This is strong, but not undrinkableadd a little water if you want to tamp it down, or mix it up in a cocktail if youre looking to go big. Palate: Thick and full. On the palate, the Four Roses Single Barrel hastingling rye spice up-frontwith a drizzle of cinnamon giving way to fruity notes, honey, vanilla and a tad of oak, with acreamy feel to it. The palate offers fresh peach and apricot flavors, encompassing luxurious, warm fig and rich oak, with a hint of mint on the finish. Black Label vs Double Black | Which Johnnie Walker is best? Once more, the alcohol evaporates, exits the doubler and recondenses into 70% ABV new make spirit. The taste of caramel, honey, and oak linger on the palate, while the smokiness fades out. The double oak Bourbon brings out vanilla and caramel notes with a smooth start and a slightly sweet finish. To remove any remaining unwanted impurities, the spirit is distilled once more using a small spirit still called a doubler. The distillation process of Woodford Reserve is a meticulous and carefully designed process that has been passed down through generations of distillers. Four Roses Single Barrel (Private Barrel when you can find it) You can't have a bourbon list without Four Roses on it.