Woodworks Barrel Aged Gin Review | Gin Is No Longer a Sin | The Liquor Connoisseur
- connoisseurofliquo
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Barrel-aged gin occupies a fascinating middle ground between the botanical world of gin and the oak-forward world of whiskey. Woodworks Distilling has been doing this seriously, and Crystal and Roger bring their barrel-aged expression to the Library to see how the aging changes what makes gin interesting.
Bottle Specs
Spirit: Woodworks Barrel Aged Gin
Distillery: Woodworks Distilling, Oklahoma
Category: Barrel Aged Gin
Base: Gin distilled from grain with botanical bill
Aging: American oak barrel aging
ABV: ~45%
Price: ~$40–50
What Barrel Aging Does to Gin
Standard gin is a botanical spirit — clear, aromatic, and meant to showcase the fragrant compounds derived from juniper, coriander, citrus peel, and other herbs. Barrel aging changes the equation fundamentally: the oak adds color, tannins, vanilla, and caramel character while simultaneously softening the botanical edges. The result isn't quite gin, isn't quite whiskey — it's a genuine hybrid that requires you to release your category assumptions.
Tasting Notes — Nose, Palate, Finish
Nose: You get both worlds immediately — the botanical aromatics of gin (juniper, herbs) underneath a layer of vanilla and toasted oak from the barrel. Let it breathe and the gin character emerges more fully. Palate: The oak integration is excellent — the barrel hasn't overwhelmed the botanical bill, which is the risk with aging. The gin's floral and herbal notes survive alongside the wood sweetness. Finish: Warm and moderately long, with botanical herbs and oak spice fading together.
How to Serve It
On its own over a single large ice cube is the right starting point — it shows the full complexity. In a gin-adjacent cocktail (Negroni, Martinez, Bijou) it adds a layer of depth that standard gin can't provide. Paired with a tonic it's unexpected and interesting — the tonic's bitterness plays against the oak sweetness in ways worth experiencing.
🥃 Crystal & Roger's LC Recommendations
For whiskey drinkers curious about gin: Barrel aged gin is the bridge. The oak character speaks your language while introducing you to the botanical world.
For Negroni fans: Sub barrel aged gin into your Negroni and experience how the oak dimension changes the cocktail's dynamics.
To support Oklahoma craft spirits: Woodworks is doing sophisticated work with interesting spirit categories. The barrel gin is proof.
LC Verdict
A thoughtfully made barrel aged gin that proves Oklahoma craft distilling is building genuine category range. Woodworks is a distillery worth following.
Drink To Remember, Not To Forget. 🥃
🥃 Want to Experience This With an Expert?
Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur® bring the same expertise directly to your group — live, in person, guided by the same passion and knowledge from every episode. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings available nationwide.
Never miss an episode — subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. New episodes every week.
📖 More Reviews Like This
Comments