In the rugged heart of Washington's Methow Valley, a small distillery is making big waves in the spirits world. Last Chance Distilling, a newcomer that swung open its doors back in May 2024, just snagged the top prize in a tough competition that's all about showcasing the best booze from the Pacific Northwest. Their Wine Spires Whiskey took home the Platinum Award in the Specialty Whiskey category at the SIP Magazine Best of Northwest Spirits 14th Annual Competition. This isn't some casual nod—it's the highest honor, judged blind by a crew of pros who know their stuff inside out.
What sets this whiskey apart starts with a smart team-up between Last Chance Distilling and nearby Lost River Winery. The folks at Last Chance—co-owners Brie Smith, Jeremy Idjadi, and Tom Kelley—had a clear vision right from the start. "We knew we wanted to have a barrel finishing program," Smith said, speaking for the group. "This would allow us to impart unique flavors on our blended straight whiskey, through different barrels like wine, rum, port, sherry and even potentially tequila. We look to highlight collaborations with different Washington state wineries, starting out as close to home as possible."
This partnership kicked off the Last Chance Cache Series, and Wine Spires is the first bottle to hit the shelves from it. It's a real example of how local ties can turn something good into something great. In January 2025, the team mixed up their Buck Mountain Bourbon and Raven Ridge Rye, then got in touch with Rick Coursey, co-owner of Lost River Winery, to grab a Merlot barrel. They pumped the blend right into it and let time do its work. "Throughout the months we tasted to determine if the flavors of oak and wine imparted the richness, color, complexity and depth we were hoping for, finally bottling it in October 2025," Smith explained.
The competition itself pulls in entries from across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and even Alaska. SIP Magazine runs it with a "rigorous blind-tasting process by a panel of industry professionals," and the winners really stand for what's fresh and top-notch in the region. Wine Spires beat out a couple of other Washington whiskeys and one from Idaho to claim that Platinum spot. As the magazine put it, all the medalists "showcase the depth, creativity, and quality defining Northwest spirits today."
Digging deeper into what makes Wine Spires special, it's named after the Wine Spires—those five solid alpine climbs tucked between Washington Pass and Silver Star Mountain, right northwest of the Methow Valley. It's a nod to the wild, challenging terrain that surrounds the distillery, the kind of place that draws guys who appreciate a good hike or climb before kicking back with a drink. The whiskey itself is a 50/50 blend of rye and bourbon that's been aging anywhere from three to six years. Then comes the finishing touch in that wine barrel, which adds layers you don't get from your everyday pour.
Only 350 bottles came out of this first Cache No. 1 run, and each one's got a serial number on the back label. Punch that into the Last Chance Distilling website, and you can pull up all the details: which barrel it finished in, how long it aged, the total bottle count, and even the tasting notes. Speaking of which, this stuff pours a dark chestnut color, smooth on the tongue with hints of dried fig and a bit of spice. The nose picks up dark cherry, vanilla, and a light hazelnut vibe, and it wraps up with a long, spicy finish that lingers with oak and black currant notes. It's the kind of complexity that makes you savor each sip, maybe while swapping stories around a fire pit or just unwinding after a long day.
The team's not stopping here. There's already another batch of Wine Spires in the works, this time finishing in a Vin du Lac barrel from Chelan, thanks to Chad Honsinger over at RYZO in Twisp. It's all about keeping that local flavor rolling and experimenting with what different barrels can bring to the table. "We look forward to continuing this wine barrel finishing program as well as other types of barrels in the future," the Last Chance co-owners said.
For anyone who's into discovering the next big thing in American whiskey, especially stuff that's rooted in the Northwest's outdoor spirit and craft traditions, Last Chance Distilling is worth keeping an eye on. Their approach blends old-school distilling know-how with fresh ideas, like these winery hookups, to create whiskeys that stand out in a crowded market. If you're planning a road trip through Washington or just want to stock your home bar with something unique, check out www.lastchancedistilling.com for the full scoop on Wine Spires and what's coming next. In a world full of mass-produced spirits, this kind of hands-on, collaborative effort reminds us why small-batch stuff hits different—it's got heart, history, and a hell of a finish.
