Nulu Reserve Double Oak Straight Bourbon 750ML

Nulu Reserve Double Oak Straight Bourbon 750ML is a high-rye, MGP-distilled straight bourbon finished in a second new charred oak barrel, bottled at 750ml and approximately 107.4 proof (53.7% ABV). This double-barreled approach amplifies the oak-driven character already present in the base spirit, delivering a richer, more layered bourbon than the standard Nulu Reserve expression.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~53.7% (107.4 proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Aged 4–6 Years, Double Oaked  |  Distillery: MGP of Indiana

Production & Heritage

Nulu is a Louisville, Kentucky–based brand founded by Keith Beatty that specializes in sourced single-barrel and small-batch selections. The base bourbon for this expression is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a high-rye mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. After an initial maturation of four to six years in new charred American oak barrels, the whiskey is transferred into a second set of new charred oak barrels for additional aging — a process that deepens caramel and tannin extraction while maintaining the rye-forward spice profile. The bourbon is non-chill filtered, preserving the full range of texture and flavor compounds that would otherwise be stripped.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich toasted oak and caramelized brown sugar lead, followed by vanilla bean, cinnamon bark, and a subtle charred wood smokiness. A few drops of water unlock additional layers of dark honey and dried orange peel.

Taste: The entry is thick and viscous, with immediate waves of deep caramel and toffee. At mid-palate, the high-rye mashbill asserts itself with cracked black pepper, clove, and baking spice. The second oak barrel contributes a pronounced tannic structure and dark chocolate bitterness that adds complexity without heaviness.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering charred oak, vanilla, and a persistent cinnamon heat. The non-chill filtered bottling leaves a full, slightly oily texture that carries the spice through the final notes.

How to Drink Nulu Double Oak

Neat with a few drops of water is the ideal approach — the water opens up the brown sugar and vanilla aromatics that the dense oak influence can sometimes overshadow at full proof. The robust structure and intensified oak character also make it a formidable cocktail base. An Old Fashioned benefits from the amplified cinnamon and toffee notes, which pair naturally with bitters and orange peel. A Boulevardier works well because the high-rye backbone and tannic grip stand toe-to-toe with Campari's bitterness. A Gold Rush (bourbon, honey syrup, lemon) plays off the deep brown sugar and vanilla sweetness for a balanced, dessert-like cocktail.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring double-oaked and secondary-maturation techniques
• Gifting a whiskey collector who appreciates small-batch, non-chill filtered bottlings
• Side-by-side tasting against single-barrel and standard-oaked bourbon expressions
• Building a home bar focused on high-proof, craft-selected American whiskey

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nulu Double Oak taste like? Nulu Reserve Double Oak delivers a rich, oak-forward profile dominated by deep caramel, toffee, cinnamon, black pepper, and dark chocolate, with a long, warming finish driven by charred wood and vanilla.

How does Nulu Double Oak compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Both bourbons undergo a secondary maturation in new oak, but Nulu uses a higher-rye MGP mashbill (75/21/4) and is bottled at a significantly higher proof, resulting in a spicier, more tannic profile compared to Woodford's smoother, lower-proof (90.4 proof) presentation. Nulu is also non-chill filtered, which contributes additional body and texture.

Is Nulu Double Oak good for sipping neat? Yes — its full-bodied, non-chill filtered character rewards careful, unhurried sipping, though a splash of water helps tame the proof and unlock subtler aromatics like honey and dried fruit.

Where is Nulu Double Oak made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP of Indiana in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then selected and finished by Nulu, which is based in Louisville, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Nulu Double Oak? Smoked brisket complements the charred oak notes; dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa bitterness on the mid-palate; pecan pie mirrors the brown sugar and caramel sweetness; aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the spice; and crème brûlée highlights the vanilla and toffee core.

What sizes does Nulu Double Oak come in? Nulu Reserve Double Oak Straight Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Nulu Double Oak worth the price? Nulu Reserve Double Oak positions as a premium small-batch bourbon, and its combination of MGP sourcing, secondary oak maturation, non-chill filtration, and higher-than-average proof represents strong value within the craft-selected bourbon segment.

Why Nulu Double Oak?

What separates this expression from the crowded field of double-oaked bourbons is its foundation: a high-rye MGP mashbill bottled at a proof that refuses to dilute the impact of the second barrel. The non-chill filtered approach preserves oils and congeners that carry flavor through both neat sipping and cocktails, giving it a textural dimension many double-oaked competitors lack. Nulu's small-batch selection process means each release reflects a specific set of barrels chosen for their compatibility, rather than a house-style blending formula. For drinkers who find standard double-oaked bourbons too soft, this expression delivers the technique with a heavier hand — more tannin, more spice, more oak, without apology.