Overview: Woodford Reserve introduces its Double Oaked Rye in November 2026, marking a significant expansion for the Kentucky distiller. This release represents the brand’s first foray into a two-barrel rye whiskey, following the success of its Double Oaked Bourbon line.
The Full Story
Woodford Reserve has waited 14 years to launch this specific expression, with nationwide availability scheduled for November. The new whiskey follows the trajectory of the Double Oaked Bourbon line, which was a two-time winner of the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and earned Master status at the American Whisky Masters in 2017 and 2018. Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve’s master distiller, noted that while rye was always intended as the second permanent product of the Barrel Finish series, the brand waited until the right time to bring it to consumers.
The Double Oaked Rye follows the same treatment as the signature bourbon but utilizes a distinct recipe composition. The mash bill consists of 53 percent rye, 33 percent corn, and 14 percent malted barley. This specific blend is aged for five to seven years in standard barrels toasted for 10 minutes and charred for 25 seconds. Following this initial maturation, the spirit transfers to a second new oak barrel.
Production & Profile
The secondary maturation process involves a longer toast of 30 minutes and a brief char of five to 10 seconds on the second barrel. This double-barrel strategy allows the whiskey to develop additional flavor during a second maturation period that averages about eight months but can last up to a year. The final specifications include a 750-milliliter bottle size at 90.4 proof, carrying a suggested retail price of $55.
Brand & Industry History
The Double Oaked Bourbon line established the foundation for this release, securing recognition as an American Whisky Masters Master and winning accolades at major competitions. The brand’s reputation for quality in Kentucky distilling practices paved the way for introducing rye under the same double-oaking methodology.
What This Means
This release solidifies the Barrel Finish series by adding a second permanent product focused on rye whiskey. The timing aligns with the established success of the bourbon expression, ensuring that consumers receive a new addition to the lineup that maintains the brand’s standards for quality and aging.
Consumer Takeaway
The Double Oaked Rye offers a 750-milliliter bottle at 90.4 proof with a suggested retail price of $55. Available nationwide, this release provides access to the distiller’s first two-barrel rye whiskey, featuring specific cask finishes and aging specifications detailed above.
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