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 aroma is immediately intriguing. There is a pronounced herbal and spicy quality that suggests a high rye influence in the blend. Alongside that spice comes rich oak, dark caramel, wood sugars, and a creamy vanilla note that leans toward vanilla buttercream. Sweet corn dustiness weaves through the profile, and there is a subtle barley waxiness adding texture to the nose. A gentle warmth from the 50% ABV is present but not harsh.

    What stands out most is the balance. The secondary oak is evident, but it avoids becoming overly tannic or overly sweet. Instead, it walks a line between rich oak depth and lifted rye-driven spice.

Taste:

    The first sip confirms much of what the nose promises. Oak arrives up front with a solid structure, followed by corn sweetness and that same herbal rye spice. Vanilla and caramel add sweetness without overpowering the profile. The 50% ABV drinks with noticeable warmth, slightly hotter than expected, but still controlled.

    As it opens up, more oak character emerges along with a peppery kick. The finish introduces chocolate, dry leather, and even a touch of tobacco. The rye spice continues to elevate the experience, giving it energy and personality beyond a standard double-oaked bourbon.

Finish:

    The finish lingers with drying oak, pepper, leather, and wood sugars. It’s structured and assertive, with just enough sweetness to keep things balanced. There is a mild youthful edge, but it does not derail the overall experience.

Final Thoughts: 

    Whiskey War Double Oak is a standout among many double-oaked expressions I’ve tried. The rye-forward spice adds dimension and lift, preventing it from becoming overly sweet or one-note. At around $70, it sits in a competitive price range, and while I would strongly prefer to see the age statement clearly printed on the bottle, the quality in the glass is undeniable.

    If you are in Ohio or can access it through regional distribution, this is well worth exploring, especially if you’re a fan of bold, spice-driven double oaks.

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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