#USA #bourbon #Woodinville #Distillery #Woodinville Whiskey

Woodinville Whiskey Unveils Aged 9-Year Bourbon

Woodinville Whiskey is marking its 15th year of operation with a special release: the Woodinville Straight Bourbon Aged 9 Years. Known for its commitment to craft distilling, this marks the distillery's oldest age statement yet, reflecting the journey and growth that founders Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile have undergone since their inception.

Orlin and Brett began their whiskey-making journey under the guidance of the late David Pickerell, a revered figure in the industry and former Master Distiller at Maker's Mark. With a dream in their hearts and a leap of faith, both partners invested their savings and 401(k) plans more than 15 years ago to create something unique in a less conventional whiskey locale, Washington State.

Distilling Process and Tasting Notes

The Woodinville Straight Bourbon Aged 9 Years has been meticulously aging since 2016 in heavily toasted, lightly charred barrels produced from 24-month open-air seasoned staves by the Independent Stave Company. The bourbon's mash bill consists of 55% corn, 35% rye, and 10% malted barley, which distinguishes it from their flagship line.

Brett Carlile, the head distiller and co-founder, expressed his satisfaction with this release, stating, “I believe this is one of the finest bottles of Woodinville we’ve ever made. Nine years ago, we set out to create something special for bourbon lovers, and now I couldn't be happier with the outcome.”

Upon sampling, the bourbon presents enticing notes: the aroma reveals hints of buttery cookies and fresh citrus, while the palate delivers a delightful combination of dried mango, milk chocolate, spice drop candies, and caramel nougat. The finish is smooth, characterized by toffee and subtle nutmeg spice, creating a well-rounded tasting experience.

Collector's Item

What makes this release even more special is that each bottle is uniquely numbered, enhancing its appeal as a collector's item. Limited to just 500 cases, the first bottles were released on August 23 at their Harvest Release and anniversary event, where eager fans camped out for two nights to get their hands on this exclusive whiskey.

The bourbon is priced at a suggested retail of $129.99 and will be available for purchase both online at Woodinville's official website and at select retailers nationwide.

Future Releases

In continuation of their strategy, Woodinville plans to follow this release with a 10-year-aged bourbon set to debut in 2026, building upon their growing reputation in the craft whiskey space. Carlile noted, “It’s incredible to see the impact of the unique barrel toast/char finish on this bourbon, along with additional time in those barrels.” The distillery promises that their fans can expect a consistently high standard of quality in what they produce.

Woodinville Whiskey continues to lead the craft distillation scene in Washington State, gaining recognition as one of America’s finest craft whiskeys. With the legacy and passion of its founders at the forefront, it’s a brand that whiskey aficionados are sure to celebrate.

For those interested in learning more, Woodinville also offers scheduled distillery tours led by knowledgeable staff, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their craft and what makes their products stand out in the marketplace. The distillery and tasting room in Woodinville is open daily, showcasing their exclusive annual releases and more.

Whether you're a long-time bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore, the Woodinville Straight Bourbon Aged 9 Years is certainly worth a pour.