In the rolling hills of Quincy, Washington, a small family farm grows rye that’s destined for something extraordinary. That rye, nurtured by the Omlin Family Farm, travels across the state to Woodinville, where it’s transformed into a whiskey that’s now earning high praise. The Woodinville Whiskey Company's 100% Rye Whiskey was awarded a Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco Spirits Competition with an high score of 96 points. This award is more than just a trophy; it's proof that a small distillery in Washington is making an impression in a crowded market. If you have ever tasted any of their products this should not come as a suprise.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
This whiskey's history is as distinctive as its flavor. It begins with rye, which is cultivated in the fertile soil of Quincy, a rural region renowned for its agricultural past. The staff at Woodinville Whiskey Company carefully distills the grain once it is shipped to Woodinville, a hamlet outside of Seattle. The whiskey is brought back to Quincy to age in barrelhouses overlooking the Cascade Mountains after distillation. Although it's not the simplest process, this back-and-forth process is what gives whiskey its unique flavor. Woodinville's craft-driven distillery and Quincy's expansive fields have produced unique terroirs that are revealed with every sip.
Orlin Sorensen, co-founder of Woodinville Whiskey Company, couldn’t be prouder of the achievement. He describes the 90-proof, 5-year-old rye as a bold spirit with aromas of cinnamon, clove, and fruit leather. On the palate, it delivers caramel, wood spice, and honey, finishing with a long, memorable warmth. “This Double Gold is a huge milestone for us,” Sorensen said. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our team and the quality of the rye we source locally.” He also hinted at exciting news for rye fans: an older version of the 100% Rye Whiskey is set to hit shelves soon.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
This whiskey is unique not just because of its flavor but also because of its backstory. Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, two lifelong friends who grew up in the neighborhood, formed the Woodinville Whiskey Company. They collaborated with the late David Pickerell, a whiskey industry legend who was formerly Maker's Mark's Master Distiller. Pickerell’s mentorship helped shape the distillery’s approach, blending traditional techniques with a passion for local ingredients. Today, Woodinville is Washington’s largest craft distillery, and some, including a Forbes report, have called it home to “the best craft whiskey in America.”
The distillery is a worthwhile place to visit. The award-winning rye and other spirits are available for tasting in the Woodinville tasting room, which is open every day. Private tours with a distiller can be scheduled in advance for those who want a more in-depth look. Visitors can see the entire whiskey production process, from grain to glass, during these excursions. Special events are also held at the distillery, like as the yearly Harvest Release in the fall, when new whiskeys are presented.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
For those who can’t make it to Woodinville, the Flagship 100% Rye Whiskey is available across the country, both in stores and online. Priced at $40, it’s an accessible way to experience a spirit that’s earning accolades on a national stage. The Double Gold from the San Francisco Spirits Competition is no small feat—judges there are known for their discerning palates, and a score of 96 points puts Woodinville’s rye among the best in the world.
This award is more than just a win for Woodinville Whiskey Company; it also celebrates the handmade spirits sector in Washington. By following its traditions, which include sourcing local rye, aging in Quincy's barrelhouses, and painstakingly distilling in Woodinville, the distillery has created a whiskey that is as much about place as it is about flavor. For whiskey lovers looking for something new, Woodinville's 100% Rye is a bottle worth checking out. In addition, an elder rye is in the works, which bodes well for this modest distillery with big plans.
