{"title":"J. Mattingly","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"j-mattingly-the-test-platoon-bourbon-750ml","title":"J. Mattingly The Test Platoon Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. Mattingly The Test Platoon Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 6-year-old, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon bottled at 58% ABV (116 proof) in a 750ml bottle. What sets this expression apart is its double-staving process, where additional charred oak staves are introduced into each barrel during aging, dramatically increasing wood contact and flavor extraction beyond what standard barrel maturation achieves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 58% (116 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Test Platoon is distilled at Green River Distilling Co. in Kentucky, one of the state's historic distilling operations. The bourbon uses a grain-forward mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, then undergoes a proprietary double-staving process. During maturation, extra charred American oak staves are placed inside each barrel, increasing the surface area of spirit-to-wood contact and coaxing deeper layers of oak character, caramel complexity, and spice from the wood. The result is a small-batch bourbon that drinks richer and more oak-driven than its six-year age statement might suggest, all presented at full barrel proof without chill filtration or dilution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caramel and vanilla cream lead the nose, followed by waves of cocoa and toasted oak. A faint nutty edge lingers underneath, adding depth and keeping the aromatics from feeling one-dimensional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is decidedly sweet — caramel and vanilla cream wash over the palate before charred oak and cocoa assert themselves at the mid-palate. Mixed nuts, clove, and allspice emerge as the bourbon develops, layering baking spice over the sweeter foundation. Despite its 116-proof strength, the mouthfeel remains medium-bodied and surprisingly balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warming and persistent, the finish carries oak spice and cocoa-dusted sweetness through a long, gradual close. Charred wood and a whisper of vanilla linger well after the final sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink The Test Platoon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 116 proof, The Test Platoon rewards patience — start it neat, then add a few drops of water to open up the cocoa and vanilla layers hiding behind the barrel strength heat. For those who prefer cocktails, the high proof and oak-heavy profile make it a workhorse in spirit-forward drinks. An \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e plays beautifully off the caramel and baking spice, allowing the double-staved oak character to shine through sugar and bitters. A \u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs the bourbon's cocoa notes with Campari's bitterness for a rich, complex sipper. A \u003cstrong\u003eGold Rush\u003c\/strong\u003e (bourbon, honey syrup, lemon) lets the vanilla sweetness harmonize with bright citrus while the proof keeps the cocktail from thinning out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon enthusiasts exploring barrel-proof expressions with unique wood-finishing techniques\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey collector who values small-batch, high-proof releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing standard-barrel versus stave-finished bourbons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding spirit-forward cocktails that demand a bourbon with backbone and oak depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does The Test Platoon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Test Platoon delivers a rich, oak-leaning profile with sweet caramel and vanilla cream up front, followed by charred oak, cocoa, mixed nuts, and warm baking spice. Despite its barrel-proof strength, it maintains a medium-bodied balance that doesn't overwhelm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does The Test Platoon compare to Knob Creek Single Barrel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are high-proof Kentucky bourbons, but The Test Platoon's double-staving process gives it noticeably more oak influence and cocoa depth than Knob Creek Single Barrel's more straightforward caramel-and-grain character. The Test Platoon also uses a slightly higher corn percentage (78% vs. 75%) and carries a six-year age statement versus Knob Creek Single Barrel's nine years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs The Test Platoon good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — barrel-proof bourbon drinkers will find The Test Platoon well-balanced enough to sip neat, though a splash of water helps unlock additional sweetness and soften the 116-proof heat for a more approachable experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is The Test Platoon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Test Platoon is distilled at Green River Distilling Co. in Kentucky and aged for six years with additional charred oak staves inside each barrel as part of J. Mattingly's proprietary double-staving process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with The Test Platoon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak notes; dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa and vanilla layers; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the caramel sweetness; pecan pie mirrors the nutty undertones; and charcuterie with honey drizzle bridges the sweet-and-spice balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does The Test Platoon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Test Platoon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs The Test Platoon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Test Platoon positions as a premium small-batch bourbon, and its barrel-proof bottling, six-year age statement, and labor-intensive double-staving process place it in competitive territory among craft barrel-proof expressions that typically command a higher price than standard-proof offerings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy The Test Platoon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe double-staving technique is the defining story here — it's not simply a barrel-finished bourbon, but one that spends its entire maturation with significantly more charred oak surface area than a conventional barrel provides. That additional wood contact at barrel proof produces a bourbon that punches above its six-year age in terms of oak complexity, cocoa richness, and spice development. For drinkers who gravitate toward barrel-proof releases but want something beyond standard warehouse picks, The Test Platoon delivers a genuinely differentiated production approach in a crowded Kentucky bourbon landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J. Mattingly","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46794578624681,"sku":"41910","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/JMattinglyTheTestPlatoonBourbon750ML.webp?v=1772588025"},{"product_id":"j-mattingly-double-staved-96-proof-bourbon-750ml","title":"J Mattingly Double Staved 96 Proof Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ Mattingly Double Staved 96 Proof Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 6-year-old, non-chill filtered Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 48% ABV (96 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Its defining characteristic is the proprietary Double Staved™ finishing process, which increases oak contact by reintroducing broken charred barrel staves into the aging barrels — a technique that layers depth onto the final spirit without additional years of maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 48% (96 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro, KY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJ. Mattingly sources its bourbon from Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky — one of the oldest distilling sites in the state, with roots tracing back to the 1880s. The mashbill is a traditional Kentucky recipe of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. After a full six years of barrel aging, the bourbon undergoes J. Mattingly's signature Double Staved™ process: old barrel staves are broken into chunks and placed into existing barrels, dramatically increasing the whiskey's surface contact with charred oak. The result is bottled non-chill filtered at 96 proof to preserve the full texture and flavor gained from that extended wood interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with honey, vanilla, and a corn-rich sweetness before giving way to deeper notes of leather, fresh-sawn oak, and tobacco. Subtle hints of cocoa powder and the faintest suggestion of orange zest round out a complex and layered bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is silky and sweet, with chocolate and honeyed vanilla arriving immediately on the palate. Mid-palate, barrel char and toasted pecans emerge as the oak influence steadily builds. A gentle rye spice threads throughout, providing balance against the sweeter grain-forward character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is medium-long, carrying toasted oak, lingering cocoa, and a warm whisper of baking spice. The non-chill filtered bottling preserves a silky, slightly oily mouthfeel that stays on the palate well after the last sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Double Staved 96 Proof\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 96 proof, this bourbon is well-suited for sipping neat or with a single large ice cube, which gradually opens the oak-driven layers without drowning the texture. A few drops of water can further coax out the honey and vanilla sweetness. For cocktails, the extra oak richness makes it a strong choice in an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the chocolate and toasted pecan notes complement bitters beautifully; a \u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its barrel char depth stands up to Campari's bitterness; or a \u003cstrong\u003eMaple Bourbon Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the honeyed sweetness and silky body pair naturally with citrus and maple syrup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBourbon enthusiasts exploring unique finishing techniques beyond standard single-barrel offerings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey lover who appreciates craft production and small-batch innovation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing the effects of extended oak contact on similar mashbills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside desserts featuring chocolate, pecans, or caramel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Double Staved 96 Proof taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a silky, sweet profile dominated by honey, vanilla, chocolate, and toasted pecans, with barrel char and gentle rye spice building through the mid-palate. The non-chill filtered bottling gives it a rich, slightly oily mouthfeel that accentuates the oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Double Staved 96 Proof compare to the J. Mattingly 1845 Classic Double Staved?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both expressions use J. Mattingly's proprietary Double Staved™ process, but the 1845 Classic is bottled at a higher proof, which tends to deliver more intensity and a bolder oak presence. The 96 Proof version is a more approachable pour, emphasizing sweetness and silky texture over raw barrel power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Staved 96 Proof good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the 48% ABV hits a sweet spot that delivers full flavor and rich mouthfeel without excessive heat, making it a comfortable neat pour for most palates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Double Staved 96 Proof made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The bourbon is distilled at Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, one of the state's oldest distillery locations, and then finished using J. Mattingly's Double Staved™ technique before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Double Staved 96 Proof?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and barrel char notes; pecan pie mirrors the toasted nut character; smoked brisket matches the oak depth; aged cheddar contrasts the bourbon's sweetness; and crème brûlée highlights the vanilla and caramel tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Double Staved 96 Proof come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is the 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Staved 96 Proof worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e This bourbon positions itself in the premium craft tier, where the 6-year age statement, non-chill filtration, and proprietary finishing process deliver genuine complexity that justifies its placement above entry-level bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Double Staved 96 Proof?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this bourbon from a crowded Kentucky field is the Double Staved™ process — a tangible production step that adds measurable oak surface contact beyond what standard barrel aging provides. The result is a 6-year bourbon that tastes like it spent additional time in wood, carrying deeper chocolate, leather, and charred oak notes than its age statement alone would suggest. Bottling at 96 proof without chill filtration preserves the full range of flavors and the silky texture that the extra stave contact imparts. For drinkers who want to taste what extended oak interaction does to a classic corn-forward mashbill, this expression makes the case clearly and convincingly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J. Mattingly","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46794579476649,"sku":"41911","price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/JMattinglyDoubleStaved96ProofBourbon750ML.webp?v=1771115141"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/j-mattingly.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}