A little background
Woodinville Whiskey Co. epitomizes Pacific Northwest craftsmanship, sourcing its grains from family farms in Washington’s Columbia Basin and transforming them into premium spirits through a meticulous, hands-on process that prioritizes quality over efficiency. The 100% Rye Aged 8 Years Straight Rye Whiskey showcases this commitment: rye planted in the fall on the Omlin family farm in Quincy lies dormant under winter snow, is hand-irrigated through scorching summers, and harvested after nearly a year of growth. The grain is then milled, mashed, and distilled in Woodinville before returning across the mountains to age in custom-seasoned, toasted, and charred American oak barrels in Quincy’s barrelhouses. Bottled at 100 proof after a minimum of eight years, this limited-release rye is available in 750ml bottles for a suggested retail price of $129.99 USD.
Founded by friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, with guidance from distilling legend Dave Pickerell, Woodinville Distillery has earned acclaim for its in-house mastery—from grain to glass—capturing the region’s essence in every pour.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Burnished
Nose
Rye spice, cinnamon, clove, caramel, brown sugar, figs, strawberry, chocolate, and oak.
Palate
Cinnamon, clove, pepper, vanilla, dark chocolate, cherry, toffee, dried cranberry, and tannic oak.
Finish
Spiced oak, pepper, cherry, chocolate, and toffee.
In closing
Woodinville 100% Rye Aged 8 Years Straight Rye Whiskey delivers a bold yet refined sipping experience, marrying vibrant rye spice—cinnamon, clove, and pepper—with sweet caramel, brown sugar, and dark fruit notes like cherry and cranberry. Its syrupy texture and complex palate, layered with toffee, dark chocolate, and tannic oak, culminate in a long, warming finish that evolves beautifully, making it a standout for neat sipping. The 100% rye mash bill and Washington aging yield impressive maturity, punching above its 8-year age. However, the $129.99 price tag may deter some with so many lower priced options on the shelf. Despite these drawbacks, this rye’s exceptional balance and depth make it a worthy addition to any whiskey enthusiast’s collection, especially for those seeking a decadent, craft-driven pour. Another exceptional release from Woodinville Whiskey Co.!
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.
Woodinville Whiskey 8 Year Straight Rye Whiskey
The Good
- Rich flavors
- Mouthfeel
The Bad
- A bit pricey
