Hugh Hamer Double Oaked Bourbon 750ML is a 103-proof (51.5% ABV) Indiana-sourced bourbon finished through a double-oaking process in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal with a 99-point score at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the most critically acclaimed bourbons in its class.Quick Facts: ABV: 51.5% (103 Proof) | Origin: Indiana, USA | Double Oaked | Source: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)Production & HeritageHugh Hamer Double Oaked Bourbon is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly known as MGP) in Lawrenceburg, southern Indiana — one of the most prolific contract distilleries in American whiskey. What distinguishes this bourbon immediately is its highly unusual 99% corn and 1% malted barley mashbill, a radical departure from the typical three- or four-grain bourbon recipes that incorporate rye or wheat. After initial aging in new charred American oak barrels, the whiskey is transferred into a second barrel for an additional round of maturation, intensifying oak-driven flavors while amplifying the inherent sweetness of that near-total corn grain bill.Tasting NotesAroma: Freshly charred oak leads the nose, followed by waves of rich caramel and dark cherry. Deeper inhales reveal leather, wintergreen, and hints of spicy dark chocolate.Taste: The palate opens with a pronounced caramel sweetness that quickly gives way to spicy cinnamon and layered oak at mid-palate. Cherry weaves throughout, accompanied by baking spices, charred wood, and a subtle wintergreen coolness that keeps the sweetness in check at 103 proof.Finish: The finish is long and warming, dominated by molasses, vanilla, and lingering cinnamon spice. A final echo of charred oak and dark cherry fades slowly, leaving a satisfying dry-sweet balance.How to Drink Hugh Hamer Double OakedAt 103 proof, this bourbon rewards a pour neat or with a few drops of water to open the caramel and cherry layers without dulling the oak structure. A single large ice cube also works well, gradually softening the spice as dilution increases. For cocktails, consider an Old Fashioned — the double-oaked intensity stands up to bitters and sugar without losing definition. A Manhattan benefits from the cherry-forward profile that complements sweet vermouth naturally. A Boulevardier is another strong match, where the bourbon's charred oak and cinnamon cut through Campari's bitterness.Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values award-winning, small-production releases Side-by-side tastings comparing double-oaked expressions against standard single-barrel bourbons Building a barrel-proof-adjacent collection without crossing into 120+ proof territory Mixing bold, spirit-forward cocktails that demand a bourbon with oak backbone Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Hugh Hamer Double Oaked taste like? It leads with rich caramel sweetness and dark cherry, layered with spicy cinnamon, charred oak, and baking spices. The near-total corn mashbill produces a softer, sweeter bourbon profile than most traditional grain bills, while the double-oaking adds pronounced wood depth.How does Hugh Hamer Double Oaked compare to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof? Both deliver bold, oak-forward bourbon experiences, but Hugh Hamer achieves its intensity at a more moderate 103 proof compared to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof's typical 120–140 proof range. The 99% corn mashbill in Hugh Hamer also produces a distinctly sweeter, softer character versus the rye-spice backbone found in Elijah Craig's traditional bourbon mashbill.Is Hugh Hamer Double Oaked good for sipping neat? Yes — 103 proof is approachable for experienced bourbon drinkers, and the double-oaking delivers enough complexity to reward slow, contemplative sipping without requiring dilution.Where is Hugh Hamer Double Oaked made? It is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most established bourbon and rye distilleries in the United States.What foods pair well with Hugh Hamer Double Oaked? Smoked brisket complements the charred oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the cocoa undertones on the nose. Pecan pie echoes the caramel and molasses sweetness. Aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the bourbon's sweetness. Cherry-glazed pork chops amplify the cherry thread that runs throughout the palate.What sizes does Hugh Hamer Double Oaked come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.Is Hugh Hamer Double Oaked worth the price? With a Double Gold Medal and 99-point score at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition plus 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, Hugh Hamer Double Oaked positions as a premium expression that punches well above many bourbons at a similar price tier, particularly given the uncommon mashbill and secondary barrel finishing.Why Hugh Hamer Double Oaked?The 99% corn, 1% malted barley mashbill is exceptionally rare in bourbon — most producers rely on 70–80% corn with meaningful rye or wheat content. That atypical grain bill, combined with a full double-oaking regimen at Ross & Squibb, creates a bourbon that is simultaneously sweeter and more oak-intense than most of its peers. A 99-point Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast confirm this is not a novelty but a genuinely accomplished whiskey. For drinkers seeking something that breaks from convention while still delivering classic bourbon satisfaction at a robust 103 proof, this expression makes a compelling case.
