Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 8 Years

A Little Background

Woodinville Distillery, based in Woodinville, Washington, is a renowned craft distillery known for its commitment to quality and local sourcing. Founded by longtime friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, the distillery has quickly made a name for itself in the world of premium spirits, producing award-winning whiskeys that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Every aspect of the whiskey-making process is meticulously handled in-house, from sourcing grains from family farms in Washington’s Skagit Valley to aging the spirits in custom-made, heavily charred American oak barrels. With guidance from legendary distiller Dave Pickerell, Woodinville has perfected the art of crafting rich, flavorful whiskeys that have gained a loyal following. The distillery’s focus on tradition, innovation, and quality has positioned it as a standout in the American whiskey landscape.

Woodinville Whiskey Company recently announced the release of its highly anticipated Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged 8 years. This bourbon is the result of careful craftsmanship, featuring 100% locally sourced grains from Washington State, and aged to perfection in the company’s signature charred, new American oak barrels. The extended aging period imparts deeper flavors and a refined character.

Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 8 Years is bottled at 100 proof and caries a retail price of $130 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Copper

Nose

Dark berries, peaches, cinnamon pancakes w/ butter, raisin toast, cherry, and bitter oak.

Palate

Sweet cherries, marshmallow fluff, maple syrup, citrus, cinnamon, leather, apricot, and toasted caramel.

Finish

Burnt sugar, over tannic sweet tea, baking spice, and cinnamon.

In closing

Woodinville 8 Year Bourbon is a remarkable addition to the brand’s lineup, showcasing an impressive array of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes that create a complex and enjoyable tasting experience. The nose is vibrant with berry and peach aromas, while the palate offers a delightful medley of sweet cherries, marshmallow fluff, and maple syrup, all rounded out by hints of citrus, leather, and toasted caramel. The finish lingers with burnt sugar, baking spices, and tannic sweet tea, leaving a lasting impression. While this release is arguably the best from Woodinville to date, the decision not to bottle it at cask strength leaves some potential untapped, making one wonder just how much more this bourbon could offer at full strength. Nonetheless, it’s an exciting and delicious release that will surely please bourbon enthusiasts.

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