Woodford Reserve x 2 - Double Double Oaked & Chocolate Whisper Redux (2025)

1 each collectible unopened bottle of Chocolate Whisper Redux and Double Double Oaked

Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series is designed for creative exploration and limited releases. The 2025 Chocolate Whisper Redux is a continuation of a flavor lineage: it follows the original Chocolate Malt Whisper (2021) and earlier iterations that teased a chocolate character.

The name “Chocolate Whisper” originates from how the whiskey was produced: barrels chosen for this edition were filled immediately after a run of chocolate malted rye bourbon, leaving a residual “whisper” of chocolate influence. Over time, these barrels were monitored and allowed to mature further, intensifying the chocolate and oak dimensions.

Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall has commented: “It is exciting to see how Chocolate Malt Whisper evolved since its initial release in 2021. A longer barrel age has enhanced its bold flavor notes while preserving the long finish.” 

Record-setting proof: Highest-ever proofed Woodford Reserve release at 139.4 (69.7 % ABV)

Aged depth: Built from a longer maturation of previously released barrels, giving it more complexity than prior “Whisper” expressions 

Unique flavor expression: Heavy chocolate and dark fruit character not common in standard bourbons

Bottle size: 375 mL

Age: 12 years

Mash Bill: 72 % corn / 18 % rye / 10 % malted barley

Tasting Notes (from critics)

• Nose: Dark chocolate, berry compote, caramelized sugar, vanilla, toasted oak.

• Palate: Chocolate babka, cacao nibs, dried cherry, subtle rye spice.

• Finish: Long, warming, layered with chocolate, candied pecan, oak char.

Woodford Reserve’s Distillery Series is designed for creative exploration and limited releases that push established house styles further through controlled experimentation. Double Double Oaked represents the most extreme expression of Woodford’s barrel-driven philosophy, evolving from the original Double Oaked bourbon into a more deeply structured, oak-forward release.

The name “Double Double Oaked” refers to the whiskey’s extended secondary maturation. After full aging in a new, charred American oak barrel, the bourbon is transferred to a second, deeply toasted and lightly charred oak barrel for a longer finishing period than the standard Double Oaked expression. This prolonged exposure amplifies sweetness, tannin, and toasted wood complexity while preserving balance at a moderate proof.

Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall has described the philosophy behind the extended finishing as a way to explore how time and toast level shape sweetness, texture, and spice without relying on higher proof or secondary flavor additions.

Extended barrel finishing: Longer secondary maturation than standard Double Oaked, emphasizing toasted oak and caramelized sugars

Flavor concentration: Intensified vanilla, toffee, and dark caramel with pronounced oak structure

Limited release: Produced in small quantities and released selectively, often distillery-only

Bottle size: 750 mL

Proof: 90.4 proof (45.2 % ABV)

Age statement: None

Mash Bill: 72 % corn / 18 % rye / 10 % malted barley

Tasting Notes (from critics)

Nose: Heavy toasted oak, vanilla bean, dark caramel, cocoa powder, baking spice

Palate: Molasses, toffee, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, rich oak sweetness

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering vanilla, toasted wood, and dry tannic grip