On June 7, 2025, the Woodinville Whiskey Company will release its oldest rye whiskey to date, the Woodinville 100% Rye Aged 8 Years. With this release, the Washington state distillery has achieved a noteworthy milestone, showcasing a commitment to quality and tradition that is deeply embedded in the land and the hands who produce it. This whiskey tells the story of tenacity, talent, and an uncompromising pursuit of greatness from Quincy's farms to the barrelhouses tucked away among rolling hills.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
The journey begins at the Omlin family farm in Quincy, Washington, where rye grain is grown in the fall. Under the weight of winter snow, the crop sits dormant and awaits the warmth of April to encourage development. The Omlin family—Arnie and his son Joel—carefully tends to the rye, hand-irrigating each stalk in spite of the summer's extreme heat. Nearly a year after planting, harvest time arrives. Long days turn into longer nights as the Omlins gather the grain, which is then trucked across Washington’s rugged mountains to Woodinville for the next phase of its transformation.
At the distillery, the rye is milled, mashed, and distilled with precision. The procedure doesn't stop there, though. After being returned to Quincy, the whiskey is placed into barrels made of American oak that have been specially selected. The purpose of these meticulously toasted and charred barrels is to gradually extract rich, nuanced flavors. The whiskey ages in these barrelhouses for eight years, soaking up the essence of the oak and the delicate effects of Quincy's climate. As a result, each sip of the alcohol carries the spirit of Washington state.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
Orlin Sorensen, co-founder of Woodinville Whiskey Company, sums up the approach: “We don’t cut corners. Every step, from planting to bottling, is about making something exceptional. It’s not the easy way, but it’s the right way.” Sorensen, along with his lifelong friend and co-founder Brett Carlile, built the distillery under the guidance of the late David Pickerell, a whiskey legend who once served as Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark. Their shared vision has earned Woodinville a reputation as a standout in American craft whiskey, with Forbes calling it “possibly the best craft whiskey in America.”
To that reputation, the Woodinville 100% Rye Aged 8 Years is a tribute. It produces a strong yet well-balanced profile at 100 proof. Rich aromas of clove, brown sugar, and dark molasses will entice you to take that first taste. Layers of cinnamon, vanilla, and dark honey emerge on the palate, with a touch of dried cranberry as an accent. With a peppery bite that lingers and a dry, oaky grip that leaves you wanting more, the finish is warm and lengthy.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
As a testament to the attention to detail that went into this limited edition, each 750ml bottle is uniquely numbered. The first 500 bottles, which will retail for $129.99, will be made available at Woodinville's distillery on June 7, 2025, beginning at 7:00 a.m. The whiskey will soon be accessible online and in a few select stores across the United States, giving whiskey lovers the opportunity to sample this distinctive expression even if they are unable to visit the distillery.
The Woodinville Whiskey Company, situated in the center of Washington state, has a history of producing spirits that people remember. Being the biggest artisan distillery in the state, it has a devoted following thanks to its commitment to using regional grains and traditional techniques. Whiskey enthusiasts can visit the distillery's tasting room, which also offers private tours with distillers upon reservation. It is open every day and hosts exclusive releases, such as the yearly Harvest Release, which attracts large crowds each autumn.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
This 8-year rye is unique because of its strong ties to the land and its producers. The foundation of the whiskey is the carefully cultivated and hand-harvested rye of the Omlin family. A dedication to quality that is uncommon in today's busy world is demonstrated by the lengthy maturation period, the unique barrels, and the painstaking attention to detail at every stage. It's a celebration of Washington's agricultural legacy, a labor of love, and a reminder that the best things take time. This is more than just whiskey.
Woodinville's 8-Year Rye and for that matter any of Woodinville's whiskeys is a must-try for whiskey lovers who value character. This release offers something unique—a taste of tradition, prepared with care, and bottled with pride—for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and those who wish to learn more about handmade spirits.
