Jim Beam Bundle – Double Oak and Rye

Description

The name ‘Double Oak’ refers to the maturation process, which involves initially aging bourbon in freshly charred American oak barrels, before the whiskey is moved for the second part of its maturation into another set of freshly charred American oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Opens with aromas of rich vanilla and smoky oak. A tasteful layer of milk chocolate and a kick of toasted cardamom seed emerge.

Palate: Madagascan black pepper and charred oak toastiness are first to the fore, with the pleasant sweetness of vanilla ice cream, liquorice and burnt sugars following hastily. A balanced palate also suggests notes of fruit malt.

Finish: A medium-length finish concludes with lingering notes of brooding charcoal and musty leather.

Overall: Lighter and fresher than you’d presume, this is an impressively mature approach to what could have an ostentatious style.

Awards for Jim Beam Double Oak

Great value rye whiskey from Jim Beam. It’s a favourite of whisky bible author Jim Murray, and won best rye aged under 10 years in 2010, scoring 88 points. The label received a bit of a redesign in 2016, changing from a yellow label to this rather stylish green label.

Nose: The spice is immediately apparent… nutmeg, cloves, freshly-ground black pepper. It’s clearly going to pack a punch. There’s also some maraschino notes too, with a thick caramel undertone.

Palate: The spice delivery is not immediate; first there’s a brief caramel vanilla note before it plunges you in. All the notes from the nose are here, delivered with a pleasant, fiery warmth.

Finish: This rounds off to smooth cherry and pepper, with a slightly citric sweetness.