Which Double Oaked Bourbon Is The Best?

[@TBrizzle]

Woodford double oaked is one hell of a bottle and I’m so thankful you can regularly get it at any liquor store. One of the better values out there in my opinion

[@slbdrinks]

One of my favorites!

[@leviashby6900]

That and 1910

[@kevinfrawley2614]

Woodford and old forester are actually finished the exact same way. Only difference is the mash bill. Learned recently they are owned by the same company and actually even use the exact same barrels and char

[@txstang84]

Absolutely-I need to grab another bottle of it for that matter.

[@txstang84]

Maple frosted cake donut!? That sounds amazing. We don’t have a Meyer’s (sp?) but I’m gonna have to check if the locals have those next time I visit

[@Daldorn]

Toasting is a slower “baking” process to expand the wood and bring out some of the wood flavors. Charing is blowing fire into the barrels and actually burning the wood. Love the video guys!

[@hunterrgntr]

Thank you for the succinct explanation. I had no clue either!

[@slbdrinks]

Wonderful and simple explanation! Thanks for sharing!

[@tweezerjam]

@@atg1338every comment you make is negative. Thanks for being part of such an otherwise upbeat community. 👍🏼 without people like you it’d be boring i guess.

[@dwade3]

Woodford double oaked is the pinnacle of bourbons im my opinion! Tried Four roses single barrel, old forester 1910, eagle rare 10 yr and buffalo trace but i always find myself going back to WF

[@thepope9794]

We are probably related. That's my favorite. WRDO

[@spenzalii]

1910 absolutely slaps. Two other toasted choices that are quite good are Penelope toasted series (barrel strength) and Sangamore Spirits Double Oak rye

[@Logan_Simmons]

Completely agree with this!!

[@ncdorito213]

Agreed, Sagamore Double Oaked Rye is amazing. Found one in TN after hearing others rave about it.

[@HonoluluBlue81]

I agree, Sagamore DO rye is amazing.

[@slbdrinks]

We rarely see Penelope up here so unfortunately I do not have a toasted bottle. The Sagamore toasted rye on the other hand is other worldly good!

[@brandonstearley722]

1910 and woodford double oaked are my two favorite toasted/double oaked bourbons I’ve had. Just picked up the nulu toasted. Excited to try it since it’s a lot higher proof

[@slbdrinks]

Nulu is great! Didn’t make it into this blind due to the much higher proof.

[@CruiserDawg]

How did you looked the Nulu?

[@brandonstearley722]

@@CruiserDawg I liked it. The higher proof was good

[@Mavryck_Tha_Myghty]

I do not typically gravitate toward Rye, but the Nulu Double-Oaked Rye blew my socks off. Phenomenal pour.

[@davidarteaga6054]

1910 and Woodford double oaked are my go to drinks for anything short of a special occasion, got the special scotch for those moments. The fact they are perfectly priced and available are a blessing.

[@fiadman]

I'm just a beginner in the Whisky world and being able to start this journey watching your videos, it's really like a beacon of light in the vast sea of options. Thank you for your guidance ! PS: Just had the Woodford Double Oaked yesterday and I loved it !

[@nccv121]

Had it last night for the first time and it was incredible! My wife even enjoyed it and she is not a whiskey person.

[@detroyt232323]

*whiskey "whisky" is Irish 😉

[@Rxbandit421]

@@detroyt232323if you’re going to try to be pretentious at least get it right. Whisky is referred to scotch Japanese and Canadian. Whiskey is American and Irish.

[@detroyt232323]

@Rxbandit421 nope. With an E is ONLY American! How many times you been on the Bourbon Trail? 🤔😎

[@tomfeie2733]

1910 I get Marshmallow on the pallet as well... My favorite Old Forester product.

[@johngandy5225]

I love the Woodford double oaked; glad it came on number one!

[@FLIGHT762]

Woodford Double Oaked and 1910 are my two favorites in this lineup and are currently on my shelf. Thanks for confirming this. I won't wast my time / money on the other three.

[@vincentsimon4037]

I absolutely love WR Double Oaked!!!!! Worth every penny!!

[@benjbaird6851]

Duuuuude. I've been watching this channel for about the last year - trying to get into bourbon (I love Redbreast 12 Cask Strength). If i'm honest, for the last decade, i've never been able to tell a huge difference between bourbons. I literally just sat down with small pours of 1910 and WRDO and for the first time in my life, tasted a HUGE difference. The Woodford is slightly more polished with a darker vanilla sweetness. The 1910 tastes a bit brighter, like a peanut brittle and cherry cola fusion. Cheers to me hopefully being able to enjoy more bourbons from now on, and thanks for the great content!

[@mitchlewis3311]

Huge fan of woodford double oaked. Definitely going to be giving 1910 a try after this!

[@genepotter]

Same here!

[@rossgullet4436]

During barrel production, the insides of barrels are typically toasted-either over an open flame or over an oven. Toasting both mellows the tannins in the wood, as well as changes the flavors the barrel might impart from raw wood to more spicy, vanilla notes-toasting actually helps release vanillin from the cellulose in the wood. There are varying degrees of toasting-from a light toast to a heavy toast and, as you might imagine, that changes the way they can influence a wine. Essentially, the heavier the toast, the stronger the barrel’s flavors. The word “charred” implies that something has gone past toasting to partially burning, and indeed charred barrels look black inside-they are about an eighth of an inch charred. Charred barrels aren’t really used for wine, but they are a part of bourbon production. That charred wood ends up becoming a sort of activated carbon filter, which can help remove sulfur compounds from a whisky, and make a smoother drink. Charred barrels also impart a darker color, smoky notes as well as caramel, honey and plenty of spicy accents. Information From The Wine Spectator

[@slbdrinks]

Appreciate the knowledge!

[@mitchilito99]

@@slbdrinks Fun info on this very subject.

[@dmills3192]

I’d like to see Michters toasted barrel added to this one

[@jameskeating1952]

Thanks for the info!!!

[@pat7937]

Love the Woodford DO and the limited release Double Double Oaked was some of the most amazing bourbon I've tried.

[@matthewsalazar3575]

Honestly, I love the EC Toasted. I had no idea it was double oaked however and perhaps that’s why I love it so much. I even prefer it over the EC Barrel Proof. Here in Pa, Toasted runs $49.99 while Barrel Proof runs $69.99…so for $20 less I feel it is a great buy for the product. Now I need to try the 1910 and Woodford Double Oak to see how they compare. Great video guys!

[@johnburesh4221]

Agree on the ectb. I think woodford d.o. is over rated. The 1920 trumps 1910 albeit not a toasted bottle. I do have to try the 1910 though. But the 20 is top notch.

[@Mavryck_Tha_Myghty]

John, 1910 and 1920 are both great pours. I will say though, if you do not enjoy Woodford Double-Oaked, your preference will likely be the 1920 over 1910.

[@biffgordon5775]

Woodford double oaked is fantastic, not surprised it won the blind. I didn't know the 1910 was double barreled, I'll have to pick one up!

[@apeekintime]

Love that Woodford won and EC placed low. I don't understand the fervor around EC Toasted or even ECBP. It's fine whiskey but unless you get a store pick that's super aged they are generally on par with most $50-60 bottles. I'd take Heaven Hill BIB or OF 1920 over most ECBP's I've run across. Similar story with Larceny BP. Just not worth paying over retail on those two bottles. Woodford Double Oaked is just consistently one of the best bottles you can buy around $50. There are so many bottles coming out between $50-80 and most are just inferior to something that is on the shelf at 95% stores. Variety is nice but I feel like Bourbon YT forget how good Double Oaked or even Makers Cask strength are until they put them in blinds. Then they immediately forget again.

[@CalebKeiterOfficial]

My favorite part of this video was just watching a great relationship between father and son sharing a common interest. I've only had the EC Toasted. Can't say I loved it on my first try, but will try again. Seems like toasted bourbons would be great dessert bourbons given their sweetness.

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks Caleb for the kind words! My nephews name is Kaleb also but as you see, spelled with a K.

[@jasonmccue3875]

I love you guys’ channel. I like that you do reviews on actual obtainable bourbons we can all get nationwide. With a mix of allocated products. Your reviews are so approachable.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@JeremyFekete-b2g]

Just bought woodford double oaked today. Cant wait to try it

[@thomasaccuntius9946]

Toasting is the first process which is done with radiant heat. This brings out the sugars and tannins of the oak for flavor. Think of it as toasting a marshmallow to a golden brown before putting it in the fire for a quick char. This is what is done to each barrel which charring is about only 45 seconds. The barrel heads and even the bung hole are treated like this. Also barrels from Independent Stave Co. are stamped with a K or M on the rivet heads on the barrel hoops to identify where it was made Kentucky or Missouri.

[@mitchilito99]

I really enjoyed this presentation. My first bottle was the Woodford Double Oaked - because of your other vids so this one was extra fun. You two have an amazing and easily consumable presentation together. If Trenton was my son I'd be extra proud!

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@MaynardGKrebs-tt1dd]

I am a big fan of OF 1910 and Woodford Double. Recently found EC Toasted Barrrel and it was great. I will take 1910 any day of the week.

[@marcsmith3781]

Since I got turned on to Sagamore double oak it has become my favorite. I realize it's a rye but it sure is tasty and readily available to me.

[@slbdrinks]

It is sooooo good!

[@mneeley490]

I've loved Woodford Reserve DO ever since I first tasted it at the distillery in 2019. To me, it has a cognac element to it, that's very appealing.

[@just2talk212]

I hope you know how much value you two bring to those of us that share your taste profiles. Both Woodford DO and 1910 have been my go-to's for many moons now and your videos like this have become great resource for some of other offerings I may not have even thought of. That, is as beautiful a thing, as your relationship with family, thank you.

[@2GR8GLDNS]

1910 and Woodford Double Oaked are my choices as well. Dove Dark Chocolate followed by a sip of Double Oaked … Heavenly ❤

[@badgerjeff6081]

My brain felt "heavily charred" trying to understand how all these whiskeys are finished! Great explanation, comparison, and idea for a tasting. I really enjoyed the video. Thanks!

[@slbdrinks]

Lol! I think that’s how Trent felt as well!

[@CarlosRayNorris1979]

Great comment, I believe we all felt this sentiment.

[@brettheiner7125]

Great topic - confirmed by many of the comments. WRDO was my favorite until I started to develop a taste for higher proof. Still go through more of it than anything else. Nearly every glass, I mutter, $!%% candy in a glass… 1910 is right there with it.

[@Bushy556]

I love WRDO and couldn’t wait to try 1910. I was really let down. I had such high expectations for it. I’d take ECTB over 1910.

[@mitchellelmore3842]

Another Indiana distillery, West Fork Distillery out of Indianapolis, also produces a double oaked bottle via the Old Hamer line. It’s a respectable bottle and I love supporting local, but it can hardly hold a glass to 1910 and WRDO - my 2 all time favorite bourbons.

[@buggyridge]

Just bought a bottle of the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Thanks guys! Had one several years ago I remember liking very much. We love your channel!

[@alanperry314]

I'll tell you what I like. Father and son having fun with each other and enjoying each other's company. Dad, you have a great young man there and I appreciate you for your respect for him and being cool. Not all dads are like that by a long shot. Love your comradery.

[@xxtroopa26xx]

Just bought the Double Oaked after watching this video. Maaaaaaan, I think I found my new number 1! Awesome Video!

[@slbdrinks]

Beautiful!

[@jchristopher2031]

Just getting into these a year later. I have not had the Old Forester but I have had the Woodford double oaked. Now I’m not the most knowledgeable and experienced bourbon person, but my collection has risen to about 40 different bottles with some being allocated such as Blantons, BT, Bookers, and the like. That Woodford Double Oaked is something special. Man that is good stuff

[@BLKBETE11]

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is my #1. Enjoyed this taste test guys

[@jeffmill999]

I loved the show while I drank single malt whisky in cool rainy season of Cambodia...cool being 80F.... Just needed to spend some time with my Indiana family in SLB bar... Cheers...

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for joining Jeff! Hopefully you were wearing a hoodie lol!

[@tommyniemannmusic5571]

Man.. I love this father/son bourbon tasting channel. Yall's vibe is great.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@johnnytactical3054]

Woodford Double Oaked is my favorite, Old Forester 1910 is great as well

[@whatweliveforoutdoors1392]

Yes I toast barrels you toast the barrel first then char them. The toast and char level change flavors depending on what the customer is looking for. There’s also some that don’t get charged at all. Toasting a barrel brings out different flavors of the wood charing a barrel does some flavor but is mainly for the color of the bourbon

[@wolfe5244]

I've had your top two and agree with those placements.

[@audieconrad8995]

As I understand it...the lighter toast will excrete the vanillan and fundamental wood flavor profiles with the heavier char adding the deeper and lingering complexities and smokey flavors. There are infinitesimal variables depending on the type of oak, where it comes from and the length of dry aging prior to the charring process. Coopering is a whole other dimension to the flavor process. Additionally, the age of the barrels being used weigh heavily with flavor[s] influence. Whether the barrels are brand new or 1,2,3 or more years old AND have they been used in other capacities such as sherry or red wine? Perhaps a few segments about this aspect of the making of Bourbon would be of interest to your viewers. I really enjoy your channel and enthusiasm!

[@slbdrinks]

Fantastic explanation of the process! Thank you for sharing!

[@audieconrad8995]

@@slbdrinks thank you. It is all very interesting.

[@andys9101]

Woodford reserve Double Oak has been my favorite for a while. That is my go to.

[@slbdrinks]

Very good!

[@stephenmarcinkiewicz]

I guessed the Woodford from the start and went and grabbed a pour before the reveal. You guys don’t get a chocolate note from it? Love your family chemistry. Keep up the great content.

[@Mavryck_Tha_Myghty]

Yeah I get chocolate and toasted marshmallow. I’ll be looking for the pumpernickel bread flavor next time I dive in. Cheers! 🦉🥃

[@MiguelHawthorne]

whats the point of giving them $7? im sure that did absolutely nothing for them.

[@jskypercussion]

Love seeing WRDO winning. It always used to be my favorite bourbons and now it is still in my top 5 most favorites.

[@namjonglee354]

Woodford double Oaked is my favorite bourbon! Glad to know that I got decent taste! 😊

[@chrishauser5505]

I really enjoyed learning about toasting/charring in this episode, as I haven't tried any whiskeys of that sort yet. Thanks guys!

[@IC86]

Good video, thanks for posting it. In my whiskey journey, I have come to love double oaked, toasted, and charred barrel expressions, including Old Forester 1910 (and 1915 blending with OF 1920), Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Jameson Black Barrel Irish, Sagamore Double Oaked Rye, and Ardbeg Scorch. If I can find the Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and the Michters Toasted Rye, I’ll grab them and try them. Thanks again for the video.

[@brandondispanet5874]

I have both WR, and OF on hand at all times. I love going back and forth between the two. I love them both. I don’t want to choose. I throw Makers 46 in there from time to time as well.

[@carlprince2866]

Glad for the results . Woodford is the only double oak I have tried and I love it . one of my favorite bourbons .

[@slbdrinks]

Me to!

[@fredbaker6315]

Lately my taste have been for finished bourbons, my next adventure will be for double barrel bourbons. Thank you for a great video

[@loonypeat312]

First time I tried Woodford Double Oaked was in First Class on a flight…fell in love with it. Purchased a bottle as soon as I got back home. 😊

[@larryderby4901]

Thanks Guys for this review. Toasted and Double Oaked products seem to be taking off as Bourbon drinkers are more than willing to pay the extra $$ for these Elite bottles. I do think that the regular Elijah Craig is a great value as an everyday sipper or in a Manhattan. How about a show on ALL of the Makers Mark products as they are releasing more specialty offerings like Barrell proof, etc. Their "46" product lead the way in the secondary aging process. Oops, almost forgot to ask you to think about making a Bourbon Manhattan review

[@FlintStryker]

I see them both often (SW Ohio) and have tried both. 1910 gets my nod by a nose. Great review! Many thanks.

[@russellleonard5321]

I have a bottle of the Starlight Double Oaked that is a store pick and 112.2 proof. It is excellent!

[@slbdrinks]

Oh my!

[@Skwurm2297]

1910 has one of the best noses for $50 I’ve ever experienced. It’s a mainstay in my bar at home

[@danmaja6275]

I have to say, I tried the Woodford Reserve Double Oak and did not enjoy it as much as the Woodford Reserve Special Blend. I got completely different tasting notes and definitely no pumpernickel, which I love. Great show.

[@c.thomasszanto1497]

WR 2x oaked wins for me. Thanks for all you do for us beginners!!

[@mattdoebler9345]

Woodford Double Oaked is awesome. A nice all purpose sip.

[@aarontagerson8598]

Big Fan of the Woodford Double Oaked Bottle,,, and also a Big Fan of the Noble Oak Double Oak Rye, really Good Juice!! I also didn't realize that the OF was doubled up...

[@slbdrinks]

We should do a double oaked rye blind! Good ones in that category for sure!

[@trevorwilliams195]

Great review again guys..thanks from Trev in the UK 🇬🇧

[@robertholley3045]

great vid....Woodford D.O. is my fav!

[@doogie64]

Just bought 1910 and 1920 in Louisville. Loving the 1920 (very hot and tasty) and will crack the 1910 later this month. Woodford Double is good too, but kind of flat if that’s the right way to put it.

[@stevenwilson6941]

Great video. Didn’t know 1910 was double-Oakes and I also am a big fin of the WR double. I have a store select that’s pretty great.

[@CarlosRayNorris1979]

Every March I join my father in Florida for a week. We always have a blast together, he's a great dad. I'm a bourbon drinker and he's more rum. We also love a few cigars and laughs. He asked me this year to share a bourbon, I'll be choosing WRDO or OF1910.

[@thomaspoole5106]

Definitely agree with these. 1910 is always good and I have had some fantastic woodford picks as well. Also love that you have your family involved in your channel.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@dremason6518]

Woodforde DO is my favorite. If you can find one, Michters releases a toasted barrel about once every 3 yrs. Excellent stuff.

[@st-xi3ys]

Great work guys. I agree with your order as well.

[@brooksmeyers1237]

Sagamore Spirit Double Oaked is my favorite by far...

[@BB-sc1jv]

I believe Old Forester 1910 was the first double oaked, by necessity. From their website,,,,,On October 22nd. 1910, a fire on the bottling line halted production of Old Forester. Mature whisky ready to be bottled, instead was stored in a secondary barrel. What emerged was a delightful whisky, remarkable enough to become an entirely new expressions

[@slbdrinks]

Wow wasn’t aware of this! Thank you for sharing!

[@carlwitkowski7957]

Penelope 114 proof is the best double oaked/toasted product I’ve had to date. Highly recommend.

[@slbdrinks]

Wish we could find any Penelope here! The only two I have were from our trips to Kentucky! I will def look for this bottle on the next trip.

[@scwillis73]

Nice job gents. It's Noble Oak Double Oak for me. Cheers! 🥃

[@ronherman6033]

another channel did double oaked comparison and left out the original....Woodford Double Oaked. I mean, who does that? Glad you guys included the GOAT!

[@imoffthegrid2158]

I'm back and forth on what I like better between the O.F. 1910 and the W.R. D.O. It kinda depends on my palette that day. The Woodford is more syrupy and the Forester is more complex. Both are dark brown in color and that tends to lead me to believe that sent a good amount of time in the barrel soaking into the wood 🪵🥃. 👍👍

[@slbdrinks]

Indeed! Both are fantastic!

[@brianelliott5339]

Both have the exact same mash bill and are made by the same distiller.

[@rockyedwards2393]

I had some 1910 yesterday and I agree it very good 👍

[@ryanw5584]

Love me some Toasted Barrel EC. But that's what's so great about Bourbon, everyone has diff favorites

[@slbdrinks]

Exactly!

[@wknight8111]

I've only tried the Woodford so far, and I really like it. I feel like it's a bit harsh up front with ethanol, but if you let it sit for a bit after the pour it mellows out a lot and gets really sweet and syrupy. It's probably one of my favorite bourbons right now.

[@slbdrinks]

Great point! Letting it sit is excellent.

[@JHPIV1956]

I've found all bourbons that I enjoy are much improved after letting them rest for a minimum of 15 minutes after pouring.

[@markcalhoun8219]

EC toasted, 1910 and Woodford double oak are all very tasty imo. I will agree I like the 1910 and Woodford most, but something about the toasted EC keeps me pouring it in between other drams.

[@tracybothwell8759]

Woodford double Oaked is my go to! Love that stuff!

[@rossgullet4436]

Thanks for doing this. I know more about this style of product. Trent is a plus in front of the camera. You guys are great together.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I’m a huge fan of toasted/double-oaked bourbons, and I agree with the order you’ve rated these (Woodford Reserve DO is still my favorite). I’d also recommend Peerless Double Oaked, Penelope Toasted, and if I ever get ahold of Michter's Toasted, I know I’d like that too. I’d suggest passing on Basil Hayden Toasted and Jefferson’s Twin Oaked (pretty bottle though:).

[@pat7937]

100%

[@andyk6767]

I do love the 1910 for all the reasons said in the video. So good. I'm going to have to pick up the Woodford DO now.

[@Timmorrisjr]

I absolutely love Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. It’s like your tongue gets coated with a thick, buttery smooth, and almost salty maple syrup. So much flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s been my go to for sometime now. I’ll have to try the 1910 soon though.

[@slbdrinks]

It is delicious!

[@hollyjhj3732]

I haven't tried all the bottles in your lineup, but that being said, I couldn't agree more about the WR Double Oaked. Smooth, layered, flavorful, balanced...just perfection all the way around. Usually easy to acquire, too, unlike the ECTB. Definitely my favorite! Really great tasting, guys!

[@slbdrinks]

I think the Woodford DO sits on the shelf and gets passed over more than not. Just to get into it again reminded me of just how good it is!

[@kenthawley5990]

Jut bought the Old Forester today, and I agree--very good!

[@jaypenha5352]

It’s interesting sipping this woodford DO while watching this vid. I love this father son duo. I need to try the old forester 1910 as well. Similar price to the woodford down here in Georgia. The nose I get out of the woodford is caramel with hint of vanilla with some oak. Then I take a sip or two and it’s a caramel with a slight chocolate finish. I don’t really get a bitter sweet. I just get a spicy sweet finish with the chocolate. The old forester rye has more of the bitter spicy citrus finish.

[@jaw3410]

lightly toasted/heavily charred refers to the first barrel then the second barrel. Same barrel cannot be both at the same time

[@TheGreyMan351]

You guys are super informative and get a kick out of the kidding around !

[@andrewma923]

I find myself conflicted with EC Toasted. It’s very good, but at the same proof as the small batch. For that reason, I don’t understand what justifies the $20-25 upcharge. You can get the ECBP for another $20 more which blows it out of the water. I certainly wish they had a toasted version of the barrel proof, or at least something with some more power.

[@slbdrinks]

Agree 💯! I actually like the small batch better but that’s me.

[@ericsmith9172]

WDO always a good pull. Nulu has a great DO! Don't get Starlight at all. Have never had a good bottle from them.

[@319_Fishing]

Yum… double oak is my favorite. Only one i dont have is that Davis County..

[@copperwolf875]

I guess I would guess it would be like taking a slice of bread and popping in a warm toaster to get that nice light brown crisp and drying out and then taking a flamethrower to it so you get both the lighter flavors and then that char on top but with wood obviously lol

[@slbdrinks]

I think Trent would understand this explanation the best lol! Good job!

[@williamcornelison4721]

Had a family reunion in Hot Springs this last April.... My cousin brought Woodford Reserve and I brought Old Forester 1910. I had never tasted either one, but my cousin and I enjoyed both...

[@DubThaDetailer]

1910 all the way. Its so phenomenal! Great channel!

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

First tried the Woodford a couple weeks ago. I think that the Double Oaked is Woodford's best product.

[@slbdrinks]

Agree 100% on Woodford!

[@riff1006]

I much prefer the OF to the Woodford, and I just bought a bottle of EC Toasted, and I really like it!

[@tcfluharty]

Bought my friend the woodford double oaked after this for his bday. After sipping it I'm absolutely buying myself one.

[@rickmandel8233]

Great video....love Woodford by itself and cocktails 👍

[@djd2819]

Wicked review. My brother and I did a sampling test last year: Eagle Rare, Blanton's original, etc and WRDO came out on top. You guys kill it!

[@rhouserjr]

Great show! For the record, I appreciate when you guess which bottle the glass came from. It adds to the fun, even for me as an observer.