The Inside Scoop on Liberty Pole Spirits' First-Ever Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon
- Amongst the Whiskey Team
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Nestled in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania is a quiet, family-owned operation producing premier grain-to-glass whiskey. Recently, the Amongst the Whiskey writers had the opportunity to visit Liberty Pole in Washington, Pennsylvania, and met with the family behind this once hobby-turned-distillery. Jim Hough, his wife Ellen, and their two sons Rob and Kevin are the heart of the operation. The warm greetings provided at their distillery felt like being welcomed into their home.
During an incredible night of Repeal Day celebrations, Liberty Pole graciously hosted a group of vintage whiskey enthusiasts and writers known collectively as the Vintage Whiskey Society. Part of Liberty Pole's gracious offerings was this soon-to-be-released double-oaked wheated bourbon—one of several lined up for tasting explorations. Jim spoke proudly of their newest expression, echoing the quote below for the December 20th distillery-only release:
Our double oaked wheated bourbon reflects the craftsmanship and patience our family brings to every whiskey we make. The heirloom corn, the time in those original barrels, and the extended secondary aging all came together to create something truly special.
This is Liberty Pole's inaugural double oaked expression, which begins with their core straight wheated bourbon, including their signature Bloody Butcher heirloom corn, sweet-mashed and double pot distilled. We would like to thank Jim, Ellen, Rob, and Kevin for opening their distillery to our group and providing an unforgettable night. We would also like to thank Jim for providing a bottle of their first-ever double oaked bottling for further tasting and exploration with no strings attached. Ready for the early sneak peek scoop? Let's get to tasting!
Company on Label:Â Liberty Pole Spirits
Whiskey Type:Â Wheated Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages:Â 72% bloody butcher corn, 18% wheat, 10% malted barley
Proof: 104.5°
Age:Â 3 years
MSRP: $74
Further identification:Â Aged 3.5 years in its original barrels before being transferred to new, heavily toasted, medium-charred barrels for an additional 11 months
Nose: Carnival cotton candy greets us right away upon lifting the glass. Wet pottery clay, bright saltwater taffy, and confectioners' sugar follow. Medium cacao chocolate builds with time alongside black pepper and a wave of earthy paprika heat. This nose is soft and welcoming—you can snuggle into the glencarin and explore comfortably. After a sip, the nose continues to bloom into candy sweetness but is bolstered by a thicket of mountainside laurel. A whiff of tiramisu and lukewarm espresso weaves gently through the sweetness as the liquid disappears. The empty glass smells of chestnut and maple bacon.
Palate:Â On first taste, we're in candy land. Swedish fish jump around on the tongue with none of the typical tannins of a double oaked whiskey. Another sip produces more of the vanilla from a well-seasoned oak, resulting in a silky and smooth mouthfeel. The linger is where the distinct wood influence finds its mark, again with none of the youthful characteristics one might expect here. Tasting late in the glass expands the depth of this easy-drinking whiskey: hints of cinnamon, flashes of hot chocolate, and waves of leather all come across light in intensity but certainly play a supporting role. The finish is long and low, offering a subtle rumble of sweet molasses that drinks well under proof.
TL;DR: This is as easy sipping as it gets and refined enough for the whole family to enjoy
Rating:Â 4/5
If you have preconceived notions on what double oaked whiskey should taste like, you best leave those at the door. This pour charts a new course in whiskey finishing, one that clearly elevates the category, and the end result is a whiskey that we're sure to be sipping on all winter long—right up until we reach the reluctant last drop. While we still prefer their Monongahela rye for the historical significance in Pennsylvania and richer complexities of the whiskey, this release provides evidence that the Hough family seems to be able to do it all on their little pot still.
Written by: The Amongst the Whiskey Team
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