Review: Bridle & Bit Double Double Oak Bourbon 8 Years Old

Cox Creek Distilling began its journey in 2020, originally operating out of Whiskey Thief Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky, before relocating to its namesake in Cox Creek, Kentucky. While the name Cox Creek Distilling may still be unfamiliar to many in the whiskey world, its bold and imaginative Good Times Beverages line has made a memorable impression with its adventurous flavor profiles.

However, Cox Creek Distilling isn’t all flamboyance. In addition to their more experimental offerings, the distillery also produces traditional whiskey expressions under labels such as Old Rick Barrel Company, Old Zach, and Bridle & Bit. The Bridle & Bit line, known for its equine-themed branding, focuses on wheated bourbons sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. These bourbons are distilled from a mashbill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley — an MGP recipe first distilled in July 2014.

In the summer of 2025, Cox Creek Distilling introduced Bridle & Bit Single Barrel Double Double Oak Straight Wheated Bourbon 8 Years Old, offering a deeper exploration of oak influence in well-aged whiskey. Drinkhacker was provided with a sample from barrel #488 for review.

This particular barrel was aged for 8 years and 4 months before entering an ambitious two-stage finishing process. First, it was transferred to a new American oak barrel with a #3 char from Kelvin Cooperage, where it matured for 8 months. Then, it underwent an additional 8 months in a new Spanish oak barrel, also with a #3 char. This extended secondary maturation brought the total aging time to 9 years and 8 months, all in new, charred oak casks.

Spanish oak, known for its coarse grain structure and elevated tannin and phenolic content, is traditionally used in aging sherry and Spanish brandy. While American whiskey frequently embraces Spanish oak via sherry cask finishing, Bridle & Bit offers a unique opportunity to explore its impact without the influence of fortified wine. By using freshly charred Spanish oak barrels, the brand provides a rare and nuanced take on oak-forward bourbon that highlights wood character alone.

Bridle & Bit Double Double Oak Bourbon 8 Years Old Review

The nose opens with a concentrated aroma of blackberry jam — dense and sweet. As the initial fruit note settles, a trace of nutmeg appears, adding a savory edge. Given a bit of time, dark chocolate comes forward, joined by a eucalyptus note that offsets the heavier aromas. The interaction between the eucalyptus and the darker tones creates a striking aromatic profile.

On the palate, dry tobacco is the first impression, soon met by a maple syrup sweetness that adds balance. As the tasting continues, flavors of toasted pecans and white cake batter show up, providing a soft contrast to the drier opening. The mouthfeel sits at a medium-thick level. However, the 59% abv brings a noticeable ethanol bite that cuts through and can distract from the overall flavor.

The finish brings spiced clove and black coffee, gradually giving way to more dry tobacco and dense raisin. It’s a satisfying close to a well-executed profile.

Bridle & Bit Double Double Oak offers a rewarding tasting experience, driven in part by the influence of new charred Spanish oak casks. Still, the proof feels slightly out of step with the rest of the profile, and a lower bottling strength—perhaps around 100 to 107—might better showcase its full potential. At $125, the price feels a little steep, but at around $90, this would be a strong value.

118 proof

B+ / $125

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