A little background

Produced outside of Seattle, Washington, Woodinville straight bourbon whiskey is distilled, bottled, and aged in the Pacific Northwest. Aged in barrels that are seasoned for 18 months before being toasted and charred, the bottle claims that “Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extraction of natural flavors from the oak.” Distilled from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, this small batch straight bourbon whiskey is 90 proof, and costs about $40.

(Tasted neat from Wide-Bowl Glencairn Glass)

Color

Copper

Nose

A little ethanol burn and a funky apple note, with a bit of woody oak. After a moment in the glass, the ethanol backs down and reveals a pleasant brown sugar note accompanied by some mild floral scents.

Palate

Vanilla bean and brown sugar and herbal spices present first, with a darker toffee note toward the tail of the palate.

Finish

A soft mouthfeel develops a vanilla and spice laced finish that is medium-short in length. A mild warmth begins at the roof of the mouth in the back and spreads down the throat as it intensifies to a pleasant but not overbearing heat.

In closing

Woodinville Bourbon is a good example of what craft bourbon has the potential to be. Unique from KY bourbon, and yet very enjoyable. This particular pour has a distinct nose that could be recalled anywhere (in a good way) but the palate is more in line with what one would expect from a classic bourbon. Assuming I can find a bottle near me, some 2,800 miles from the distillery, I plan to replace this one when it is gone.