Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s 2018 Harvest release, Toasted Applewood Finished Rye Whiskey, had been marked on my calendar for over a month, so when the Saturday came around, I decided to incorporate it into a fun date night with my fiancé James.
The distillery was packed but fortunately I had remembered to call ahead, and got the ok from Kaitlyn to snap a few photos of the event. Woodinville Whiskey Co’s Straight Rye Whiskey is my go-to for crafting Old Fashioneds, so I was really anticipating my first taste of the Applewood infused version!
Gorgeous bottles were lined up near the entrance. This Harvest release was crafted by adding toasted Washington Applewood staves to their 100% Rye Whiskey for an additional 6 months. This process adds a layer of fruit and berry notes to the existing notes of caramel, rye spice and cinnamon. It’s delicious!
There were pastries and homemade apple cider available to guests on this warm Autumn afternoon. Here you see a hint of the gorgeous flower arrangements that were decorating the tasting room, and my favorite Fall candle, which you can purchase here.
Notice the Applewood release has a slightly higher, 100 proof than the traditional 100% rye at WWC (which is 90 proof).
This Port Finished Straight Bourbon is also delicious and crafted from 5-year straight bourbon aged an additional 6 months in Tawny Port barrels.
I was so excited to be able to take home one of these (Carrie got one too!) special bottles. Kaytlyn was so gracious and time in the midst of a very crowded Saturday release event to talk with us. I didn’t expect to even find a seat at he bar, much less have an opportunity to talk to staff about the details of this harvest release. Thanks so much Kaytlyn!
This was our sampling of the Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which has a smooth, sweet finish with hints of vanilla.
The first 500 guests were able to purchase a numbered bottle, packaged in handmade apple crates. These wood make an elegant gift for any whiskey aficionado.
I somehow forgot to photograph a bottle shot of the Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, but I had to mention it anyway. I had been eying it since the very first time I visited WWC, but had somehow never brought any home. I was convinced as soon as Kaytlyn shared her tip of using it to make her old-fashioneds. Trust me, using this Applewood Rye in combination with the maple syrup does not disappoint!
A visit to Woodinville Whiskey Company is a must for any tour of Woodinville’s wine district . The are open daily from 11am – 5pm, with tours on Friday at 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 4pm. I’d highly recommend staying for one of these and taking a peak behind the scenes of the distillery.
Located at: 14509 Woodinville Redmond Road NW, Woodinville, WA 98072.
RESOURCES:
Woodinville Whiskey Co. Website
Woodinville Whiskey Co. on Facebook
Woodinville Whiskey Co. on Instagram
Woodinville Whiskey Co. on Trip Advisor
~ Jen
