While out in Seattle earlier this year I had a chance to visit the Woodinville Whiskey distillery. The distillery was started by two friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile who were mentored by David Pickerell, former Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark. Although Sorensen and Carlile are still very much a part of the distillery, in 2017, the distillery was acquired by Moët Hennessy (LVMH), who aren’t strangers to whiskey with Glenmorangie and Ardbeg also under their portfolio.

Located in Woodinville, WA., the distillery is small but still quite beautiful. The day we were there, there were no tours being offered so we bellied up to the counter and enjoyed a whiskey tasting which included their following whiskies: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Straight 100% Rye Whiskey, Double Barrel Blended Whiskey, Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Cask and they also let us try their Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

At the end of the tasting I purchased the whiskey that I enjoyed the most and that was their Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It is aged 5 year in charred new American oak barrels. The mash consists of Washington grown corn (72%), rye (22%) and malted barley (6%).

Tasting Notes

Nose: oak and spices

Palate: caramel, vanilla, spices and oak

Finish: sweet and spiced

If you were to ever ask me to choose between a whiskey that is cask strength and one that is not, I will always go for the cask strength. In this case, I didn’t. I went for the regular ABV whiskey because there was a sweetness about this whiskey that I really enjoyed. This whiskey is bold, sweet and smooth. Even with the 22% rye in the mix, the rye helps give the whiskey a unique flavor profile.

Personally, I enjoyed this whiskey and do think it’s worth trying. The Woodinville Distillery is one to watch. I think they are only going to get better with time and I definitely am looking forward to seeing what else they come up with.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.