Buzzard’s Roost Signature Double Oak Bourbon Review

Distillery: Buzzard’s Roost—Louisville, KY (Sourced from Ross & Quibb Distillery)`

Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Four years plus additional secondary finishing

Mashbill: 75% Corn, 21% Winter Rye, 4% Malted Barley

MSRP: $45

---

Double Oaked – Fresh Take

Buzzard’s Roost has built its reputation on the art of the Finish—leveraging creative toasting and charring techniques to bring forth character and complexity from sourced whiskey. Their latest release, Signature Double Oak Bourbon, stays with their tried-and-true formula and takes it up a notch….maybe two notches.

Distilled in Indiana and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky, this bourbon is secondary finished not in new oak or exotic casks—but in Buzzard’s own used bourbon barrels. It’s a twist on the “double oak” concept, yielding a flavor profile that’s mellow, layered, and remarkably easy to enjoy.

Released nationally in April 2025, this expression lands at 100 proof (50% ABV) and uses a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.  

Buzzard’s Roost Signature Double Oak Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4/5

The Nose is inviting from the outset—soft caramel, warm cookie crumb, and a thread of ripe banana give it warmth and sweetness without veering into overly sweet territory. It’s a clean and mellow opening that matches the intent of the Finish.

Palate – 4.3/5

Flavors arrive with surprising freshness. Sweet mint gum and wintergreen form the first wave—bright and sweet—followed by a touch of creamy vanilla and lightly toasted grain. The mid-Palate leans more herbal than sweet, adding structure while staying well composed at the 100-proof point.

Finish – 4/5

The Finish opens softly with dark berry notes and a whisper of cracked pepper. The mouthfeel is warm and fades quickly, offering a graceful closing that leaves a touch of peppery tang and light oak dryness. A bit more persistence on the back end would elevate the experience, but the flavors that remain are pleasant with a subtle complexity.

Value – 4.75/5

At $45, this bottle easily falls into that sweet spot for fans of double oak and secondary finished bourbons.  Hand it to Buzzard’s Oak–this expression is not aiming to overwhelm, instead it’s meant to be one of the first to grab off your shelf and into your sipping rotation. For the price, you’re getting an incredibly well constructed bourbon that showcases finesse, not flash.

Buzzard’s Roost Signature Double Oak Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Buzzard’s Roost Signature Double Oak Bourbon is a simple take on what “double oak” can mean. By using their own ex-bourbon barrels, they’ve softened the oak edges and delivered a pour that’s both friendly and refined. It quietly earns respect—especially for those who appreciate mellow spice, soft sweetness, and a balanced finish. 

This is both a sipper and a cocktail workhorse.  Sitting solely in the glass, it presents as a confident, well-rounded sipper.

Verdict – 4.3/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3