Jim Beam Double Oak

Unfortunately a week after I bought this I bought a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Single Barrel store pick, so my review is tainted by the discrepancy between the two. The clear benefit of Jim Beam Double Oak is its affordability and uniqueness compared to what you'll find in bourbons under $30. However, this bottle that is half of the price of the Woodford Reserve also packs roughly half of the flavor. For an 86 proof bourbon the nose is particularly strong, mostly due to the heavy oak influence. Other than oak I get a charred, dusty corn. The vanilla or toffee sweetness some note is absent for me. Overall the oak in this bourbon is astringent, young, or artificial, depending on what adjectives you want to use, both on the nose and taste. Unlike the Woodford Reserve and a few other double matured whiskeys, this does not have a rich, complex body that works in unison. There are hot sauces and barbecue sauces that add artificial heat or smoke in lieu of real ingredients to save on cost. I think of that same process with this bourbon, it tastes like artificial oak flavoring instead of the real deal. I know that's most likely not true, but what it signifies is probably a short second maturation with heavily charred barrels to increase production and save on time. I'm not saying this is a bad bourbon, but I prefer other Jim Beam products.

Very good for the price. Most surprising bottle I've picked up. Nice oak flavor.

For the price this double oaked bourbon is amazing. Plenty of flavor and surprisingly exciting for jim beam.

Good oaky flavor, to much medicinal/nail polish up front when neat. Need to try again on ice.

A smokey sweet nose, taste is similar, very low alcohol feel on the taste. With water makes it a very smooth drink. It's not a complex flavour but will please a casual bourbon drinker. Dangerously easy drink. Will buy again.