Woodinville Whiskey Co. is set to release its much-anticipated 8-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The bourbon will debut at the distillery on August 17, with a nationwide release to follow on September 1.
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey
The creation of this bourbon began over ten years ago when founders Brett Carlile and Orlin Sorensen sought to identify the perfect barrel for producing top-notch bourbon. Knowing that the barrel significantly influences the bourbon’s flavor, they partnered with Independent Stave Company to test eight different barrel types:
- #1 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
- #2 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
- #3 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
- #4 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
- #3 Char 18-Month Open-Air Seasoned
- #5 Char 18-Month Open-Air Seasoned
- Heavy Toast/Light Char 24-Month Open-Air Seasoned
- Thin-Stave Barrel
They filled these barrels with new-make whiskey and waited four-and-a-half years before analyzing the results. The whiskey from the heavily toasted, lightly charred barrel with 24-month open-air seasoned staves stood out. This barrel produced whiskey rich in furfural (sweetness, almond, baked bread), vanillin (vanilla, creaminess), and phenols like guaiacol (smoky, spicy) and 4-methyl guaiacol (sweet, candy, clove, leather).
Despite its promising qualities, the whiskey had a slight graininess due to the light char. Brett and Orlin decided to age it for another four years, believing this would enhance its flavor. Their patience was rewarded, and they proudly present the Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 8 Years.
This bourbon has already garnered acclaim, winning a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and achieving double platinum status from the American Spirits Council of Tasters. Reviewers noted its "mint and aloe on the nose" and "floral and soft palate featuring caramel, cinnamon sugar, and apple notes."
The release of Woodinville’s 8-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey reflects the dedication and perseverance of its founders, underscoring that great things indeed come to those who wait.
About Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Woodinville Whiskey Co. is a renowned craft distillery located in Woodinville, Washington, USA. Founded in 2010 by Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, this distillery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbon and whiskey. What sets Woodinville Whiskey Co. apart is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distillation methods to create its spirits.
One of Woodinville Whiskey Co.'s standout products is its bourbon. They take pride in their grain-to-glass approach, meaning they oversee every aspect of the production process, from growing their own grains to distillation and aging. This dedication to craftsmanship results in a bourbon that's rich in flavor and character, with a distinctive Pacific Northwest influence.
The distillery's picturesque location in Woodinville, nestled among the lush landscapes of Washington wine country, adds to the charm of the Woodinville Whiskey Co. experience. Visitors can take tours of the distillery, gaining insight into the art of whiskey-making while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Over the years, Woodinville Whiskey Co. has received numerous accolades and awards for its bourbons and other spirits. These awards reflect not only the dedication of the team but also the exceptional quality of their products. With a commitment to excellence, a focus on sustainability, and a passion for crafting exceptional whiskey, Woodinville Whiskey Co. has established itself as a prominent player in the American craft distilling scene.
