High Bank Distillery Whiskey War Double Oaked Whiskey Review.

    High Bank has been on my radar for a while, especially since I’ve frequently passed by their bottles during trips to Ohio. Today, I decided it was time to take the plunge and pick up two of their offerings; the Barrel Proof and the Double Oaked. Personally I am a sucker for double oaked, even ones that pull a slighty higher price point. 

    Now this is a blend of straight whiskeys, NOT a bourbon, so keep that in mind during this review. Speaking of a few things to keep in mind...there’s no age statement on the bottle. The distillery’s website mentions a minimum of five years, so we can reasonably assume that this is a blend of whiskey aged for at least that long.  However, I do wish this was on the bottle. Also, there is not a state of distillation or sourcing location noted....nor mash bill(s) being used. While none of this is necessary for the review, I always commend transparency and it helps us understand the process and what (maybe) to expect. 

    High Bank is also a veteran-owned company, which adds a nice layer of appreciation. Thank you all for your service. 

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/-pEz0i-ZoG4

Age Statement: N/A. (Website states 5 years).

ABV: 50%.

Mash bill: N/A.

Area of Distillation: N/A. 

Finishing: Secondary oak cask for an additional six to twelve months

Appearance: Rich amber.


On the nose:

    The nose is striking with an intriguing blend of herbal and spicy aromas. There’s a definite rye presence here, offering a peppery, almost medicinal quality that pairs unexpectedly well with the rich caramel and vanilla sweetness. The oak is evident, but it’s not overwhelming, providing a beautiful balance to the nose without drowning out the other nuances. As the aroma settles, deeper notes of corn sweetness and a slight barley waxiness begin to emerge, adding complexity and inviting you to take the next step.

Taste:

    Right away a delightful spiciness that immediately carries a distinct rye influence. The oakiness is prominent but not overpowering, a hallmark of a well-executed double-oak process. There’s a lovely smoothness to the whiskey, with a sweet creaminess that adds depth to the experience. The warmth from the 50% ABV is felt on the tongue, though it’s not harsh, and the whiskey offers a slight pepperiness that keeps things lively. The wood sugars from the secondary oak cask add a layer of richness to the mouthfeel, which lingers pleasantly.

Finish:

    The finish is long and satisfying, with more of that lovely wood sugar sweetness and a slight dryness that evokes the taste of tobacco and a touch of leather. It’s an earthy finish that rounds out the tasting experience nicely, leaving behind a trace of spice and warmth.

Final Thoughts: 

    High Bank Distillery’s Whiskey War Double Oak offers a unique take on the double-oaked category. The rye spice lifts the experience, providing a twist that sets it apart from other whiskeys in the same family. The oak influence is well-balanced, not overwhelming the sweetness but enhancing it in a way that makes each sip more interesting than the last. The lack of an age statement on the bottle is a minor downside, as some transparency with the bottling would be appreciated, but the overall blend is solid and enjoyable.

Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $69.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/-pEz0i-ZoG4

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