A truly great bourbon is a story in a glass, and ours begins with the legacy of a woman who never settled for the ordinary. Mary Dowling was a trailblazer who went to incredible lengths to protect her craft, and we channel that same spirit into our whiskey. Just as she went the extra mile, we believe in taking an extra step to create something exceptional. This philosophy is embodied in the Mary Dowling double oak process, where we finish our bourbon in a second, specially prepared barrel. It’s a method born of resilience and innovation, transforming a great spirit into an unforgettable one that honors her story of uncompromising quality.
Key Takeaways
- Double Oaking Refines, Not Just Ages, the Bourbon: This process involves moving a fully matured bourbon into a second new oak barrel. This extra step is a deliberate choice to layer in more complex flavors and create an exceptionally smooth finish that a single barrel can’t achieve.
- A Unique Char-and-Toast Method Creates a Signature Profile: Unlike other double oaks, Mary Dowling’s process uses a specific barrel combination—a deep char first, followed by a light char and heavy toast. This technique, combined with a soft wheated mash bill, develops sophisticated flavors without any harshness.
- Enjoy a Complex Bourbon That’s Incredibly Smooth: The double oak process creates deep notes of tobacco, dark cherry, and chocolate while enhancing classic caramel and vanilla. This results in a bold yet balanced spirit that’s smooth enough to sip neat but rich enough to elevate a classic cocktail.
What Is Double Oak Bourbon?
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a double oak bourbon special, the answer is beautifully simple: it’s aged twice. All bourbon begins its life in a new, charred oak barrel, but where traditional bourbon stays put, double oaked bourbon gets a second act. After its initial aging, the whiskey is moved into a second, brand-new, charred oak barrel to mature even further. This isn’t just about aging the bourbon longer; it’s about intentionally introducing it to a fresh source of oak. This second round of aging allows the spirit to draw out even more of those deep, complex flavors that oak imparts, resulting in a bourbon with exceptional smoothness and layers of character. It’s a method that requires patience and precision, all in the service of creating truly remarkable whiskeys.
How It Differs from Traditional Aging
While all bourbon gets its signature character from a single new, charred oak barrel, the double oaked method takes that process a step further. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but rather refining it. The first barrel does its job, imparting the foundational notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice that we all love in a good bourbon. The second barrel then works to amplify and deepen those flavors. This additional step allows for a second, powerful interaction between the whiskey and the wood, layering in more complexity and smoothing out any rough edges. It’s a deliberate choice to build a richer, more nuanced profile than single-barrel aging can provide.
The Magic of a Second Barrel
So, what really happens in that second barrel? This is where the magic lies. The second barrel is a deliberate step used to build deeper, smoother layers of flavor, resulting in a consistently rich and complex bourbon. This extra step makes the bourbon much smoother and gives it a profound depth. It’s a transformative process that softens the spirit’s finish while adding intricate notes of toasted oak, dark chocolate, and rich fruit. This commitment to going the extra mile is a nod to our namesake, Mary Dowling, a woman who constantly defied convention. Her trailblazing spirit inspires our own approach to whiskey-making, always pushing for something more, something better. You can learn more about her story and the legacy that fuels our craft.
The Mary Dowling Method: A Two-Barrel Process
Creating a bourbon with exceptional depth and smoothness isn’t a matter of chance; it’s a result of a deliberate and artful process. At the heart of our Double Oak bourbon is a unique two-barrel aging method. This technique involves moving the whiskey from one freshly charred oak barrel into a second one, each prepared differently to layer in distinct characteristics. It’s a hands-on approach that goes beyond traditional aging to build a more complex and refined spirit. This method is how we achieve the signature richness and character you’ll find in every bottle of our whiskeys. Let’s walk through how each step contributes to the final flavor.
Step 1: The First Barrel’s Deep Char
The journey begins in a new American oak barrel from the renowned Kelvin Cooperage. This first home for our bourbon has a #4 char, which is a deep, intense burn often called an “alligator char” for its scaly appearance. This heavy char does more than just add a beautiful amber color. As the whiskey ages, the charred wood acts as a natural filter, mellowing the spirit while imparting foundational notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. It’s a crucial first step that lays the groundwork for the bourbon’s complex character, creating a rich base before the second stage of its maturation even begins.
Step 2: The Second Barrel’s Perfect Toast
After its initial aging, the bourbon is ready for a change of scenery. We move it into a second new American oak barrel, but this one is treated with a much lighter #1 char and a heavy toast. This combination is where the magic really happens. The gentle char and deep toast work together to draw out subtler, sweeter flavors from the wood without adding harshness. This second maturation period intensifies the existing flavors, adds layers of warm spice and dark fruit, and contributes to an incredibly smooth finish. It’s this careful balance of char and toast that defines the Mary Dowling Double Oak experience.
Why Time and Temperature Matter
The double oaking process is a testament to patience and precision. Introducing a fully matured bourbon to a second new barrel is a deliberate choice to deepen classic flavors and create a richer mouthfeel. Time is essential, but so are the Kentucky temperature swings. As the seasons change, the whiskey expands and contracts within the barrel, pushing deeper into the wood’s pores to extract more character. This interaction with two distinct barrels, guided by the rhythm of nature, is what makes the final spirit so special. It’s a method born of resilience and innovation, much like the story of Mary Dowling herself, ensuring every sip is both complex and remarkably smooth.
What Does Double Oak Bourbon Taste Like?
If you’re picturing a bourbon that simply tastes “extra oaky,” think again. The second barrel journey does so much more than just add wood notes; it transforms the spirit entirely, creating a tasting experience that’s both complex and incredibly smooth. Double oaking takes the classic bourbon flavors you already love and deepens them, layering in new dimensions of richness and character. It’s a process that mellows any harshness while amplifying the notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice that make bourbon so beloved.
The result is a spirit that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Each sip reveals different facets, from dark, rich undertones to warm, sweet highlights. It’s a testament to how a thoughtful, deliberate process can create a bourbon that is intentionally complex without being overwhelming. This careful craftsmanship is what makes double oak expressions, like our award-winning whiskeys, stand out. The second barrel isn’t just an extra step; it’s the key to unlocking a deeper, more nuanced flavor profile that invites you to slow down and savor every drop. It’s about creating balance and harmony, where no single note overpowers another, but instead they all work together to create a complete, satisfying experience from the first aroma to the final, lingering taste.
Rich Notes of Tobacco, Chocolate, and Dark Cherry
One of the most captivating aspects of double oak bourbon is the emergence of deep, sophisticated flavors. The second maturation coaxes out rich, earthy notes that you might not find in a standard bourbon. Imagine the scent of a humidor, with its notes of sweet tobacco, mingling with the aroma of dark chocolate and a hint of anise. These are the flavors that build the foundation of the tasting experience. As you sip, you’ll discover layers of ripe dark cherry and stone fruit, balanced by a subtle, grounding oakiness that ties everything together. It’s a complex and rewarding profile that speaks to the artistry of the aging process.
Layers of Vanilla, Caramel, and Warm Spice
While double oaking introduces new flavors, it also beautifully enhances the classic bourbon notes we all adore. The second barrel acts like an amplifier for the spirit’s inherent sweetness and warmth. The vanilla becomes richer, more like vanilla bean than extract, and the caramel deepens into a buttery, brown sugar-like sweetness. These notes are woven together with a delicate tapestry of baking spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—that provide a gentle warmth. This profile makes for an exceptional spirit to sip on its own, but it also shines in cocktails that highlight its character, like a classic Old Fashioned.
A Smooth, Spiced Finish
A truly great bourbon is defined by its finish, and this is where the double oak process truly proves its worth. Despite the bold, complex flavors, the mouthfeel is remarkably smooth and velvety. The second barrel aging process sands away any rough edges, leaving behind a spirit that is full-bodied yet easy to drink. The experience concludes with a long, satisfying finish where the sweet notes of cherry and stone fruit return, accompanied by a lingering, dry spice that warms you from the inside out. It’s a beautifully balanced conclusion that reflects the resilience and dedication at the heart of Mary’s story.
Why Two Barrels Are Better Than One
You might wonder why we’d take a perfectly matured bourbon and age it all over again. The answer is simple: we’re making it better. The double oak process is a deliberate choice to create a bourbon with unparalleled depth and smoothness. It’s a method that requires patience and precision, transforming a great spirit into an exceptional one by layering flavor and refining texture in a way a single barrel never could.
Creating a Smoother, Richer Mouthfeel
The first barrel gives a bourbon its foundational character, but the second barrel is where the magic of refinement happens. This deliberate, hands-on process introduces the fully matured bourbon to a second new barrel, softening any sharp edges and weaving the flavors together. This extra step transforms the texture, creating a velvety, rich mouthfeel that coats the palate. The result is a bourbon that feels incredibly luxurious and polished, making each sip a remarkably smooth experience. It’s this commitment to craft that defines all of our whiskeys.
Balancing Complex Flavors Without the Harshness
A second barreling isn’t about adding more raw, woody flavor. Instead, it’s a deliberate step used to build deeper, smoother layers of flavor, resulting in a consistently rich and complex bourbon. This process allows the spirit to mellow, taming the alcohol’s heat and allowing more subtle notes to emerge and harmonize. It’s a technique that requires a deep understanding of how wood and whiskey interact, a skill that reflects the same resilience and ingenuity found in Mary’s story. The final spirit is bold yet balanced, showcasing intricate flavors without any of the harshness.
Deepening Classic Bourbon Notes
While traditional bourbon gets its character from a single new, charred oak barrel, the double oak process takes that a step further. It’s all about amplifying the classic bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice by introducing the spirit to a second, brand-new oak barrel. The first maturation sets the stage, but the second act is where these flavors truly come alive. The vanilla becomes creamier, the caramel deepens into toffee, and the spice notes become more integrated and warm. This finishing touch makes for a more expressive and memorable bourbon.
What Sets Mary Dowling’s Double Oak Apart?
While the term “double oak” tells you a bourbon has seen the inside of two barrels, it doesn’t tell you the whole story. The process can vary dramatically from one distillery to another, and our approach is rooted in a specific vision for flavor and character. It’s a combination of a unique barrel finishing technique, a carefully chosen mash bill, and a commitment to craftsmanship that truly defines our double oak expressions. These three elements work together to create a bourbon that is both complex and incredibly smooth, honoring the innovative spirit of Mary Dowling herself.
Our Signature Char and Toast Combination
Many double-oaked bourbons are aged in two separate, heavily charred barrels. We take a different path. Our process begins with aging the bourbon in a standard new charred American oak barrel, but the key difference is in the finishing step. We move the spirit into a second, lightly toasted barrel. This isn’t just a subtle change; it’s a fundamental one. While charring creates a deep, filtering layer that imparts classic caramel and smoky notes, toasting gently coaxes out softer, sweeter flavors from the wood—think vanilla, warm baking spices, and a hint of roasted nuts. This char-then-toast method allows us to build layers of complexity without overwhelming the spirit, resulting in one of our most beautifully balanced whiskeys.
The Role of a Wheated Mash Bill
The foundation of any great bourbon is its recipe of grains, or mash bill. Our Mary Dowling Double Oak Bourbon is a “wheated bourbon,” which means we use a significant amount of wheat as the secondary grain instead of the more traditional rye. This choice is central to its distinct character. Rye typically adds a spicy, peppery kick to bourbon, but wheat offers a much softer, rounder, and gentler profile. It contributes a subtle sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel that makes the whiskey exceptionally smooth from the very first sip. This inherent softness from the wheated mash bill provides the perfect canvas for our double barrel process, allowing the delicate notes from the toasted finish to shine through.
A Legacy of Award-Winning Craftsmanship
Our methods are born from a deep respect for tradition and a drive to create something truly special—and we’re honored that the experts agree. In 2024, our Double Oak Barrel Bourbon brought home a Gold medal, a testament to its outstanding craftsmanship and rich flavor profile. This recognition affirms our commitment to the meticulous, multi-step process we’ve developed. It’s a modern tribute to Mary Dowling’s own story of resilience and uncompromising quality. Every bottle is a reflection of that legacy, crafted with the same spirit of defiance and dedication that made her the Mother of Bourbon. We believe she would be proud of the spirit that bears her name.
The Story Behind Our Double Oak Process
Our approach to whiskey is deeply rooted in the spirit of our namesake. Mary Dowling was a woman who operated on her own terms, blending tradition with a bold, innovative vision. This process is our way of bottling that same resilience and character. It’s more than just a technique; it’s a narrative that honors a legacy of defying convention. Every decision, from the mash bill to the second barrel, is made with intention, ensuring that each sip tells a story of courage and uncompromising quality. Inspired by a woman who never backed down, our Double Oak Bourbon is a testament to a bold spirit and refined craftsmanship. We believe the best whiskeys are born from a blend of respect for the past and a fearless look toward the future, and that philosophy is the foundation of our double oak process.
Honoring a Trailblazing Legacy
Mary Dowling’s story is one of incredible grit and ingenuity. She didn’t just make bourbon; she saved her distillery during Prohibition by moving it to Mexico, proving she would go to any length to protect her craft. We channel that same determination into our Double Oak Bourbon. This whiskey isn’t just aged; it’s finished with a second maturation that requires extra patience and resources—a commitment we feel honors her story of perseverance. Just as Mary went the extra mile, we believe in taking that extra step to create something truly exceptional. This process reflects her refusal to settle for the ordinary, resulting in a bourbon with a depth of character as remarkable as the woman who inspired it.
Meticulous Barrel Preparation
The secret to our Double Oak’s distinct character lies in how we treat our barrels. Double oaking means we take a fully matured bourbon and age it for a second time in a brand-new charred oak barrel. But the magic is in the details of that second barrel. We prepare it with a deep, slow toasting process that coaxes out the sweeter notes from the wood, like rich vanilla and warm caramel. After toasting, we give the barrel a light char. This final step acts as a natural filter, smoothing out the spirit and adding complexity without introducing any harsh, smoky flavors. It’s a delicate balance that requires precision and a deep understanding of how wood and whiskey work together.
Innovating Within Tradition
While we have immense respect for bourbon’s history, we aren’t afraid to build upon it. The double oak method is a perfect example of innovating within tradition. It’s a deliberate, hands-on process that takes a classic spirit and adds new layers of flavor and texture. This extra step isn’t easy—it takes more time, more resources, and more barrels. But this commitment to craftsmanship is what makes our double oak bourbon a truly premium spirit. By introducing our bourbon to a second new barrel, we’re able to create a more complex and refined experience, proving that sometimes, the best way to honor tradition is to thoughtfully enhance it. This dedication is what defines all of our whiskeys.
Meet Our Double Oak Expressions
Now that you understand the art and science behind our two-barrel process, it’s time to meet the whiskey that brings it all to life. Our Double Oak expressions are a direct tribute to Mary’s innovative spirit, showcasing how meticulous craftsmanship can create something truly extraordinary. Each bottle is a testament to the magic that happens when you dare to do things differently, blending tradition with a bold vision. This is where the deep char and perfect toast of two distinct barrels come together to create a bourbon that’s as complex and resilient as the woman who inspired it.
Mary Dowling Double Oak Wheated Bourbon
Our Double Oak Wheated Bourbon is the heart of our double oak collection. This special whiskey gets its remarkable character from resting in two separate, new American oak barrels. By moving the bourbon from a deeply charred first barrel to a lightly charred and heavily toasted second barrel, we create layers of flavor that you simply can’t achieve with a single aging process. It’s a method that demands patience and precision, but the result is a beautifully balanced and incredibly smooth wheated bourbon that stands in a class of its own. This expression is a celebration of depth, nuance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Tasting Notes and Proof
This bourbon is bottled at cask strength, meaning you get to experience it in its purest, most flavorful form, yet it remains exceptionally smooth on the palate. The first sip reveals a complex profile with inviting notes of tobacco, rich chocolate, and a hint of anise. As it opens up, you’ll discover layers of sweet cherry, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg, all balanced by the distinct character of oak. The experience is rounded out with hints of stone fruit, baking spice, and brown sugar, creating a finish that is both long and satisfying. This intricate flavor profile is a direct result of its unique aging in two Kelvin Cooperage barrels—the first with a #4 char and the second with a lighter #1 char and heavy toast.
Find Out Where It’s Available
Ready to experience the unique character of our Double Oak Wheated Bourbon for yourself? We’ve made it easy to locate a bottle. Whether you’re looking to add a standout piece to your collection or find the perfect spirit for your next cocktail creation, you can find Mary Dowling whiskey at select retailers across the country. Use our store locator to discover a local shop carrying our expressions. Your next favorite bourbon is closer than you think. Find a store near you and bring home the legacy of the Mother of Bourbon today.
How to Best Enjoy Your Double Oak Bourbon
A bourbon with this much character deserves to be enjoyed to its fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting to explore, there are several ways to bring out the rich, layered flavors of our Double Oak bourbon. The best method is simply the one you like most, but if you’re looking for a place to start, here are a few of our favorite ways to pour a glass of Mary Dowling.
Savor It Neat or On the Rocks
To truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind our Double Oak bourbon, start by trying it neat—served by itself in a glass. This allows you to experience the full aroma and taste profile exactly as intended. For a slightly different experience, serve it on the rocks. We recommend using a single large ice cube or sphere, which melts more slowly than smaller cubes. This chills the spirit perfectly without diluting those complex tobacco, dark cherry, and warm spice notes too quickly.
Perfect Food Pairings
The rich, warm spice of our Double Oak makes it a fantastic companion for food. Its bold character stands up beautifully to sharp, aged cheeses like a classic cheddar or a tangy blue cheese, creating a perfect balance of savory and spiced notes. If you have a sweet tooth, it pairs wonderfully with desserts. Try it alongside a slice of pecan pie or a rich dark chocolate torte to complement its inherent caramel and vanilla flavors. Its robust profile also enhances rich, savory dishes, making it a versatile choice for any dinner party.
Craft the Perfect Cocktail
While our Double Oak is an incredible sipping bourbon, its rich and sweet character also makes it an excellent foundation for classic cocktails. The deep, nuanced flavor profile won’t get lost when mixed, instead adding remarkable depth to your favorite drinks. It’s particularly well-suited for an Old Fashioned, where its warm spice and caramel notes can shine, or a whiskey sour that balances its richness with citrus. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can explore some of our favorite recipes that highlight the unique qualities of our whiskeys and find a new go-to for any occasion.
Where to Find Mary Dowling Double Oak
Ready to experience the rich, complex character of our Double Oak Bourbon for yourself? We’ve made it simple to add this exceptional spirit to your collection. Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or enjoy browsing the aisles of your favorite local shop, you can find a bottle with ease. This bourbon is a testament to Mary’s resilient spirit, and we want to make sure it gets into the hands of those who appreciate its story and craftsmanship. Here are the best ways to track down your own bottle of Mary Dowling Double Oak.
Buy a Bottle Online
The easiest way to secure a bottle is to have it shipped directly to your home. You can buy our whiskeys online through our trusted retail partners, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience from checkout to delivery. This is a great option if you want to skip the search and get straight to sipping. Another excellent online option is Sip Whiskey, which carries the Mary Dowling Toasted Double Oak Barrel Strength Bourbon and ships it right to you. With just a few clicks, you can have this beautifully crafted bourbon on its way to your bar cart, ready for your next special occasion or quiet evening in.
Find a Store Near You
If you enjoy the experience of discovering a new favorite in person, our Double Oak Bourbon is available at select premium retailers across the country. To find a location closest to you, our store locator is the perfect tool. Simply enter your zip code to see a map of nearby stockists. It’s also worth checking with specialty shops like Saratoga Wine, where you can often buy the Mary Dowling Bourbon Toasted Double Oak Barrel. We always recommend calling ahead to confirm availability, as our Double Oak expressions are highly sought after and tend to move quickly off the shelves.
Explore Our Full Collection
Our Double Oak is a cornerstone of our portfolio, but it’s just one part of a larger story. Inspired by a woman who never backed down, Mary Dowling’s Double Oak Bourbon is a testament to bold character and refined craftsmanship. Each bottle we produce carries a piece of her legacy, from our Wheated Bourbon to our Tequila Barrel finished expressions. We invite you to explore our full collection and discover the spirit that speaks to you. Every whiskey tells a different chapter of Mary’s incredible journey, offering a unique tasting experience rooted in a history of resilience and innovation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is “double oaked” just another way of saying it’s aged longer? Not exactly. While the process does take more time, the key isn’t just about adding years; it’s about introducing the bourbon to a second, brand-new barrel. This second interaction with fresh, charred and toasted wood is a deliberate finishing step. It’s designed to refine the spirit, smooth out any rough edges, and layer in a new dimension of flavor that a single barrel, no matter how long it’s aged, simply can’t provide.
Does aging in two barrels make the bourbon taste overwhelmingly like wood? That’s a great question, and the answer is quite the opposite. Our goal with the second barrel is to achieve balance and smoothness, not to overpower the spirit with raw oak. The specific combination of a light char and a heavy toast on our second barrel is chosen to coax out sweeter, richer notes like vanilla, dark chocolate, and warm spice. This process actually mellows the spirit and integrates the flavors, resulting in a bourbon that is complex yet remarkably smooth.
What makes the Mary Dowling Double Oak different from others on the shelf? Our approach comes down to two key details: the barrels and the recipe. Instead of using two similarly charred barrels, we finish our bourbon in a second barrel that is lightly charred but heavily toasted. This toasting process brings out softer, sweeter characteristics. We pair this technique with a wheated mash bill, which uses wheat instead of rye. This creates an inherently gentle and slightly sweet bourbon that provides the perfect canvas for our unique two-barrel aging method.
What’s the best way to drink this bourbon to appreciate its flavor? To really get to know all the complex notes we’ve worked to create, I always suggest trying it neat for your first few sips. Pour a small amount into a glass and let it sit for a moment. This allows you to experience the full aroma and flavor profile as it was intended. If you prefer your whiskey chilled, try it with a single large ice cube, which will cool the spirit down without diluting it too quickly.
Why is a wheated mash bill a good choice for a double oak bourbon? Using wheat as the secondary grain creates a bourbon with a softer, rounder character than one made with the more common spicy rye. This inherent smoothness and subtle sweetness provide the perfect foundation for the double barrel process. The gentle profile of the wheated spirit doesn’t compete with the nuanced flavors drawn from the second barrel; instead, it complements them, allowing those delicate notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit to truly shine.
Justin Pakdaman is the Marketing Director for Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., where he leads brand storytelling, digital strategy, and consumer engagement. Justin has years of experience building premium spirits brands.