Woodinville Bourbon has been gaining recognition in the world of whiskey, and as someone who enjoys exploring different flavors, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share my thoughts on this fine spirit. Craft distilleries might have had a hit-or-miss reputation in the past, but Woodinville Straight Bourbon is proving that “craft” can mean quality, and I was excited to see what this highly raved bourbon has to offer.
As I opened the boxy bottle, I could already sense the bright, middle amber appearance of this bourbon. The nose offered a delightful mix of caramel, butterscotch, and a hint of cinnamon, with the scent of corn roasted over a campfire. Upon sipping it, I was pleasantly surprised by its light mouthfeel as the flavors of honey, licorice, dried cherry, and roasted oak danced on my palate. The high-rye character of Woodinville Bourbon provided a well-rounded taste, leaving me appreciating the complexity it had to offer.
With port cask finishing, Woodinville Bourbon gets even more interesting, introducing a darker fruit element that adds dimension to the sip. Overall, I find Woodinville Bourbon to be a solid choice for whiskey enthusiasts who are looking to venture beyond the traditional options. Its unique flavor profile, combined with quality craftsmanship, sets it apart as a noteworthy bourbon that’s well worth a try.
Table of Contents
Woodinville Bourbon Overview
Product History
Woodinville Whiskey Co., located in Washington State, began creating its bourbon under the guidance of the late Dave Pickerell, a renowned master distiller. Their Woodinville Straight Bourbon is their inaugural release, focusing on quality and emphasizing their farm-to-bottle philosophy. They source grains locally from Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington, which adds to their unique flavor profile.
In recent years, Woodinville Bourbon has been gaining recognition and accolades, thanks to its distinct taste and commitment to using local ingredients from the Cascade Mountains region. The ownership of Woodinville Whiskey Co. by Moet Hennessy has also opened new distribution channels for the brand, making it more accessible to bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.
Price Range
Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey has an MSRP of $40 for a 750 ml bottle. The bourbon boasts a 45% ABV (90 proof) and is based on a mash bill of 72% corn, 22% rye, and 6% malted barley. This price point places it in the affordable range for many whiskey drinkers seeking to explore craft bourbons outside the traditional Kentucky distilleries.
As I tasted Woodinville Bourbon, I noticed some distinct flavor notes that set it apart from other bourbons:
- Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, campfire-roasted corn, and a hint of cinnamon
- Flavor: A light mouthfeel that follows the aroma, with earthy and rye hints
Woodinville Whiskey Co. crafts their bourbon with the same care and attention as major distilleries but on a smaller scale. This small-batch approach results in a unique and commendable product that is helping to raise the standard for craft bourbons. For me, the Woodinville Bourbon experience demonstrates that craft distilleries can produce high-quality bourbons that challenge the offerings from more established producers.
photo source: thewhiskeywash.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon nosing the Woodinville Straight Bourbon, I immediately discover a lovely array of scents coming forth from the glass. There’s the unmistakable aroma of caramel and toasted oak, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla bean and crème brûlée. The mashbill, consisting of corn, rye, and malted barley, contributes to the overall fragrance, adding a layer of sweetness.
Flavor
As I take a sip of this hand-crafted spirit, I’m greeted by a well-balanced flavor profile. Predominant notes of caramel, rye spice, and dark chocolate intermingle with the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of green grape. The 90 proof bourbon has a nice kick to it but still remains smooth, allowing the rich, natural flavors to shine.
| Flavors | Intensity |
| Caramel | Medium |
| Rye Spice | Medium |
| Dark Chocolate | Medium |
| Honey | Light |
| Green Grape | Light |
Finish
Woodinville Straight Bourbon offers a pleasant finish, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and herbal components lingering on the palate. The taste of charred oak remains subtly present, a nod to the new, coopered barrels in which the bourbon is aged. The extreme temperature cycles, along with rain, wind, sun, and snow, add a unique maturation process, which is evident in the bourbon’s satisfying finish.
Rating
I find this bourbon to be well-rounded and enjoyable, especially considering its price point. Woodinville Straight Bourbon is a solid offering from an American distillery with a promising future. Its aroma, flavor, and finish make it a quality choice for those seeking a fine, 90 proof bourbon.
| Rating | Score |
| Aroma | 8/10 |
| Flavor | 8/10 |
| Finish | 7/10 |
| Overall Quality | 7.7/10 |
| ABV (Alcohol by Volume) | 45% |
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
In my experience, Woodinville Bourbon pairs well with a variety of mixers. Here are some of my top suggestions:
- Ginger Ale: This mixer allows the bourbon’s seasoned notes to shine while adding a refreshing, bubbly twist.
- Club Soda: When simplicity is key, I enjoy Woodinville Bourbon with club soda, which creates a well-balanced and open-air tasting experience.
- Sweet Vermouth: For those who prefer a classic touch, a mix of Woodinville Bourbon and sweet vermouth is a great standard option.
Cocktail Suggestions
As a fan of Woodinville Bourbon, I’ve had my fair share of sample cocktails to pair with it. Here are a few of my favorites:
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To make Woodinville Whiskey Old Fashioned, you’ll need:
- 2 oz Woodinville Bourbon
- 5 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
photo source: Shutterstock.com
To make Woodinville Manhattan, you’ll need:
- 2 oz Woodinville Bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
photo source: Shutterstock.com
To make Woodinville Mint Julep, you’ll need:
- 5 oz Woodinville Bourbon
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 5 oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
Food Pairings
Woodinville Bourbon, with its aged and robust flavors, works well alongside a diverse mix of foods. Here are my picks for the best food pairings:
- Aged Cheese: A nice, aged cheese like Gouda or Fontina can enhance the seasoned flavors of Woodinville Bourbon and create a sophisticated tasting experience.
- Smoked or Grilled Meats: My personal favorite food pairing is grilled or smoked meats, as their flavors complement the bourbon’s roast and earthy notes.
- Dark Chocolate: For dessert, I find that dark chocolate offers a wonderful contrast to the bourbon’s fruity elements, while also bringing out the warmer, spicy characteristics.
When considering a bottle of Woodinville Bourbon for my collection, I remind myself that the Straight Bourbon Whiskey costs around $40, making it a solid investment for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With the variety of mixers, cocktails, and food pairings available, Woodinville Bourbon offers a thoroughly enjoyable, versatile, and satisfying experience for the discerning whiskey drinker.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed Woodinville Straight Bourbon, finding it a solid and delightful bourbon to drink. The high-rye character adds a unique touch to its flavor profile, which includes honey, licorice, dried cherry, roasted oak, cinnamon, and spearmint. This bourbon stands as a testament that craft distilleries can indeed produce high-quality products.
The distinct and traditional flavor of Woodinville’s bourbon certainly sets it apart from others in the market, making it a strong contender in the world of small distilleries. Moreover, I appreciate its reasonable price point, allowing whiskey enthusiasts to savor this excellent bourbon without breaking the bank.
It’s worth mentioning that Woodinville is quickly gaining popularity, earning accolades and praise from critics. Their ownership by Moet Hennessy has opened up many doors, providing extensive distribution channels and exposure in the global market.
In summary, as a whiskey lover, I can genuinely say that I am impressed with Woodinville Bourbon and would highly recommend trying it. The fascinating combination of flavors, the attention given to the craft, and the emerging success of this small distillery make it a must-try experience for bourbon aficionados.
