Woodinville Straight Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels

A little background

Woodinville Whiskey Co., founded by Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile in Washington State, is known for its commitment to crafting premium whiskey using locally sourced ingredients and meticulous processes. Their Straight Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels (MSRP $69.99, 100 proof) is a unique expression born from Carlile’s curiosity to blend the worlds of bourbon and tequila. Starting with their flagship bourbon, made from a mash bill of 72% corn, 22% rye, and 6% malted barley, this whiskey is crafted using estate-grown grains from the Omlin family farm in Quincy, Washington. The grains are milled, mashed, and distilled in Woodinville, Washington, then aged for nearly six years in new American oak barrels seasoned for 18-24 months. The bourbon is then finished in Extra Añejo Tequila barrels in Woodinville’s experimental Warehouse 1, resulting in a limited release of fewer than 2,000 bottles, with the first 500 available exclusively at the distillery.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Copper

Nose

Orange, brown sugar, vanilla cream, oak, caramel, and spice.

Palate

Brown sugar, baking spice, sweet vanilla cream, cherry, cinnamon, and oak.

Finish

Walnut, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange marmalade, baking spice, and oak.

In closing

Woodinville Straight Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels delivers a compelling fusion of classic bourbon notes and subtle tequila influence, making it a standout for those intrigued by innovative finishes. The nose offers a vibrant mix of orange, brown sugar, vanilla cream, oak, caramel, and spice, while the palate balances brown sugar, baking spice, sweet vanilla cream, cherry, cinnamon, and oak. The finish lingers impressively with walnut, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange marmalade, baking spice, and oak, growing increasingly cinnamon-forward with each sip. At 100 proof, it boasts a rich mouthfeel and a highly enjoyable, long-lasting finish. While the tequila influence may not suit every palate, this approachable whiskey is well worth trying for its unique character and broad appeal.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Woodinville Whiskey Co.. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.