PRE-SALE ITEM – ETA: October 2026 (delays are possible). Any other items in your order will be held and shipped together in one shipment as soon as this bottle arrives.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey that takes Woodford Reserve's signature double-barrel approach and applies it to rye for the first time. After its initial maturation, the rye is moved into a second new oak barrel that has been heavily toasted and lightly charred, adding a layer of sweet, toasted oak on top of rye's natural peppery spice. Bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) from a pre-Prohibition-style mash bill of 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley, this Barrel Finish Select release is a must-have for rye lovers, Woodford Reserve fans, and anyone who enjoys a richer, more dessert-like take on rye whiskey.

What Is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye?

Woodford Reserve is best known for its Double Oaked bourbon, which is matured in one barrel and then finished in a second, deeply toasted barrel for extra sweetness and depth. Double Oaked Rye brings that same idea to the brand's Kentucky straight rye. The result is a rye that keeps its herbal, peppery backbone but gains the caramelized, velvety character that a second toasted barrel provides. The bottle is selected by Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall.

How the Double Oaked Process Works

The rye first ages fully in traditional new charred American oak barrels. It is then transferred into a second, custom-crafted barrel that is heavily toasted and only lightly charred. Toasting develops deeper caramelized wood and sweet oak notes, while the light char adds structure without covering the rye's grain-driven personality. Because the whiskey is bottled at the same 90.4 proof as standard Woodford Reserve Rye, it is the extra barrel, not higher proof, that sets this expression apart.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: dark caramel, toasted nuts, chocolate, and dark fruit, with cedar and warm baking spice.
• Palate: smooth and full-bodied, with rye and baking spice, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, brown sugar, and dark fruit over rich oak.
• Finish: long and warming, with dark caramel, toasted oak, and a lingering gentle pepper.

How to Enjoy Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye

Sip it neat in a whiskey glass and let it rest for a few minutes so the dark fruit and toasted oak aromas can open up. A few drops of water bring more caramel and fruit forward, while a single large ice cube slowly softens the spice and oak. Its rye structure and second-barrel richness also make it an excellent base for a Manhattan, Rye Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, or Sazerac, and it pairs well with dark chocolate, smoked meats, aged cheddar, or spiced nuts.

Why Whiskey Fans Want This Bottle

• The first time Woodford Reserve's Double Oaked technique has been applied to rye.
• Kentucky straight rye finished in a second heavily toasted, lightly charred new oak barrel.
• Made from a pre-Prohibition-style mash bill of 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley.
• Bottled at an easy-sipping 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV).
• Selected by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall as a Barrel Finish Select release.

Product Details

• Brand: Woodford Reserve
• Type: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
• Release: Barrel Finish Select, Double Oaked Rye
• Mash bill: 53% rye, 33% corn, 14% malted barley
• Size: 750ml
• ABV: 45.2% (90.4 proof)
• Finishing: second new oak barrel, heavily toasted and lightly charred
• Origin: Kentucky, USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye?

It is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey that, after its first maturation, is finished in a second new oak barrel that has been heavily toasted and lightly charred, adding sweeter, richer oak character to the rye.

How is it different from regular Woodford Reserve Rye?

Standard Woodford Reserve Rye completes its maturation without the extra finishing barrel. Double Oaked Rye spends additional time in a second toasted barrel, which brings out richer caramel, roasted, nutty, dark-fruit, and toasted-wood notes.

How is it different from Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon?

Both use a second toasted barrel, but this expression starts with Kentucky straight rye instead of bourbon, so it has a spicier, drier foundation beneath the added oak sweetness.

What proof is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye?

It is bottled at 90.4 proof, which is 45.2% ABV, the same strength as standard Woodford Reserve Rye.

What is the mash bill?

The mash bill is 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley, a pre-Prohibition style recipe that delivers bold rye spice balanced by a sweet, approachable foundation from the corn.

What is the best way to drink it?

Try it neat first to appreciate the contrast between rye spice and toasted oak, then experiment with a few drops of water or a large ice cube. It also shines in classic rye cocktails like the Manhattan and Sazerac.

Order Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Rye from Craft City and add this new rye expression to your collection.