Nulu Reserve Double Oak Straight Bourbon 750ML is a non-chill filtered, double-oaked straight bourbon bottled at approximately 53.7% ABV (107.4 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Built on a high-rye MGP mashbill and matured in two successive sets of new charred American oak barrels, this expression has drawn direct comparisons to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked — with reviewers on Distiller.com calling it "Woodford Double Oak on steroids."

Quick Facts: ABV: ~53.7% (107.4 proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana / Louisville, Kentucky  |  Double Oaked, Non-Chill Filtered  |  Distillery: MGP of Indiana / Prohibition Craft Spirits

Production & Heritage

Nulu is a brand of Prohibition Craft Spirits, founded in 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. The distillate is produced at the storied MGP facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a high-rye mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. After an initial maturation period of four to six years in new charred American oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred into a second set of new charred oak barrels for additional aging — a process that amplifies oak-derived tannins, caramel depth, and spice. The whiskey is bottled without chill filtration, preserving the oils and texture that many mass-produced double-oaked bourbons strip away. Nulu's small-batch selection process means each release reflects a specific set of barrels chosen for compatibility rather than conforming to a single house-style blending formula.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich toasted oak and caramelized brown sugar lead the nose, followed by vanilla bean, cinnamon bark, and a layer of candied orange. Cherry, maple syrup, and a subtle charred-wood smokiness round out a complex, sweetly layered opening.

Taste: The entry is dry and spicy, with black pepper and tobacco moving to the front immediately. At mid-palate, deep caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate assert themselves alongside the amplified double-oak tannin structure. With a splash of water or a single ice cube, sweeter notes of orange and cherry taffy emerge, softening the high-rye heat without muting it.

Finish: Long and warming, driven by charred wood, vanilla, and lingering cinnamon spice. The non-chill filtered texture leaves a rich, slightly oily mouthfeel that carries the oak and pepper notes well past the final sip.

How to Drink Nulu Double Oak

At 107.4 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping — give it a few minutes in the glass to let the secondary oak influence unfold. A few drops of water open up the sweeter caramel and fruit notes without collapsing the structure. For cocktails, the bold proof and tannic backbone make it an excellent candidate for:

• Old Fashioned: The amplified oak and caramel stand up to bitters and sugar without disappearing.
• Manhattan: The high-rye spice complements sweet vermouth and creates a cocktail with real backbone.
• Boulevardier: Dark chocolate and charred oak notes pair naturally with Campari's bitterness and the richness of Italian vermouth.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring small-batch MGP sourced releases
• Gifting a whiskey lover who appreciates barrel-proof or high-proof expressions
• Side-by-side tastings comparing double-oaked bourbons at different proofs
• Building a home bar anchored around bold, cocktail-ready bourbons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nulu Double Oak taste like? Nulu Double Oak delivers a dry, spice-forward palate dominated by black pepper, tobacco, caramel, and dark chocolate, with a long finish of charred wood and vanilla. The double-oaked process and non-chill filtration give it a notably rich, full-bodied texture.

How does Nulu Double Oak compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Both undergo a second maturation in new charred oak, but Nulu uses a higher-rye MGP mashbill (75/21/4) and is bottled at roughly 107.4 proof versus Woodford's 90.4 proof. The result is a significantly spicier, more tannic bourbon with greater intensity, while Woodford Double Oaked tends toward a smoother, sweeter, and more approachable profile.

Is Nulu Double Oak good for sipping neat? Yes — its 107.4 proof carries enough heat to warrant a few drops of water for some drinkers, but the non-chill filtered texture and layered oak character make it a rewarding neat pour for those comfortable with higher-proof bourbon.

Where is Nulu Double Oak made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP of Indiana in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific contract distilleries in American whiskey. Barrel selection, secondary oak maturation, and bottling are handled by Prohibition Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Nulu Double Oak? Smoked brisket or pulled pork stands up to the charred oak and pepper. Dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa and toffee mid-palate. Aged sharp cheddar mirrors the tannic grip. Pecan pie aligns with the caramel and toasted nut sweetness. Grilled lamb chops complement the smoky, spice-driven finish.

What sizes does Nulu Double Oak come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Nulu Double Oak worth the price? Nulu Reserve Double Oak positions as a mid-premium bourbon, competing in a bracket where double-oaked expressions from larger producers often come in at lower proof and with chill filtration. The combination of MGP distillate, barrel-strength-adjacent proof, and non-chill filtered bottling delivers strong value relative to the category.

Why Nulu Double Oak?

In a field crowded with double-oaked bourbons, Nulu Reserve Double Oak distinguishes itself through proof, mashbill, and process. The high-rye MGP foundation provides a spice architecture that many competitors' lower-rye recipes cannot match, while the decision to bottle above 107 proof ensures the second barrel's influence registers as concentrated flavor rather than mere wood tannin. Non-chill filtration preserves the oils and body that carry those flavors through a long, layered finish. For drinkers who find mainstream double-oaked bourbons too soft or too sweet, this expression delivers the intensity the category often promises but rarely achieves.