Double Oaked or Toasted Finished Bourbon
A methodology of finishing bourbon known as double oak or toasted, gets its rich, oaky flavor from bourbon being matured separately in two charred oak barrels. Bourbon aged twice, referred to as Double-Oaked, is aged a second time in new, freshly charred American White Oak barrels, which gives it a strong, fruity, spicy, vanilla-charred oak flavor with caramel undertones. Double Oaked further implies that it is aged in a second fresh barrel, so it is technically still bourbon, unlike finished whiskey, which is aged a second time with a cask that’s already been used once.
Another method used,Toasted, is to age whiskey in two different charred oak barrels as well. However, the second barrel is a new barrel also, but is heavily toasted instead of just lightly charred like a standard aging barrel. This finishing method adds aromas of dark fruit, hazelnut, apple, fruit, caramel, chocolate, marzipan, and toasted oak to the bourbon, giving it a mellow, sweet oak character. So again, because it is aged/finished in a second new barrel, it is technically still bourbon. So in manner of speaking, all Double Oaked/Toasted are finished whiskey, but not all finished whiskies are Double Oaked OR Toasted.
Smooth & Flavorful – Lingering Finish
In these dual-aged type expressions, only the mildest heat is present which results in a particularly pleasant, clean lingering finish. The first sip typically releases flavors including rye spice, burnt caramel, baked chocolate, dry leather, wood, tobacco, and sweet dried fruits. After that, the finish typically changes to leather, wood, and a hint of white pepper, all of which result in a nice long hug. For bourbon drinkers of all experience levels, these finishes offer an exceptionally flavorful encounter that is decadent enough to savor.
Simple, Unique Blast From The Past
In the past, charred oak barrels were reused by charring the insides, a useful technique that coincidentally gave their contents enticing flavors. Modern distillers began to alter this ancient method after seeing its possibilities. In an effort to create whiskeys with a wealth of complex, multi-layered flavors, they started maturing bourbon in a second barrel, each with unique toasting or charring patterns.
The idea of rebarreling whiskey to finish it in a second barrel is not new, in fact, barrel-finished bourbons have been around for a good while and are becoming increasingly popular as the bourbon boom continues to grow. The techniques provide distilleries with simple and effective means of creating unique products that stand out, a truly wonderful taste explosion! These barrel finishes give regular bourbon a significant and unparalleled boost of added flavor, and color for that matter. These double-finished products are typically a deep amber color, but the exact shade can vary depending on the type of barrels, length of second aging and the toasted char level of the second cask.
Double Barrel Toasted Acacia – A B&B Original
Branch & Barrel decided to try our hand at this unique process, but with a slight twist, incorporating terms from both methods, we used the words Double and Toasted on the label. To create this one-of-a-kind release, our Flagship Bourbon, which has been aged in our customary virgin oak barrels, was moved into a virgin TOASTED Acacia wood barrel for this double cask release. In order to fully preserve the toasted, oaky undertones and creamy smoothness in the finished product, we released it at cask strength, 52%abv (104pf).
To further enhance the experience as you relish this bottle’s rich complexity, try serving it with savory smoked meats or rich cheeses, for this is a symphony of matured excellence, not just bourbon. Raise your glass of this dual-aged magic with us and enjoy each subtle note with the reverence that it merits, cheers friends!
Discovering a Flavorful Unexplored Wood Finish
Our Double Barrel Toasted Acacia Finished Bourbon is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with a tiny splash of water, but with its sweet and oaky flavor profile, it is also amazing in an Old Fashioned and the like. Notes of honey, sandalwood, toasted nuts, lemon zest, crème brûlée, white chocolate, and gingerbread are revealed after a total of 5 years of maturing. We are thrilled to introduce you to this unexplored wood finish, as it is very uncommon to find a Bourbon matured in Acacia barrels. This dark rich amber hued, very limited release, is every bit as soothing and delicious as it sounds. In fact, it’s a sensual journey into the full range of bourbon’s capabilities! This delightful release is available only at our Tasting Room…while supplies last!