OVERVIEW:

Ill just come right out and say it – youre gonna be surprised at the quality of our Woodinville Single Barrel Rye. Its fantastic. Just fantastic.

Now that Christmas and holiday travel is behind me, its time to sit down and write up some tasting notes. First up, our Woodinville Single Barrel Rye selection from earlier this year (available January 6th). Some of you might recall the livestream tasting, as author Clay Risen was in attendance to offer his opinion and expertise. Well, if you enjoyed that, get ready to join Clay for a Zoom on January 26th at 8:00 PM EST. Well be sipping this Woodinville rye and discussing his new book, American Rye: A Guide to the Nations Original Spirit.

BARREL DETAILS:

Woodinville Single Barrel Rye (barrel #8321) – 115.64 proof, 100% rye whiskey – non age stated (aged 5 years per the distillery) – selected by Russells Renegades with Clay Risen – distilled, aged, and bottled by Woodinville Whiskey Co., Woodinville, Wash.

Tasted neat in a Glencairn

TASTING NOTES:By David Jennings

(the rich copper color is worth noting, as its particularly dense for a 5-year rye) hot orange gummy, lemon-honey, spice drops, savory cherry, Beemans gum, sweet pastry dough; apple-cinnamon, citrus spice, zesty oak, clove, earthy herbal notes, faint mint; medium-long finish (spice is long in duration & comes in waves) w/ peppery Bit-O-Honey candy, cinnamon, sassafras candy, licorice, woody spice, hot & sweet ginger

Overall: Wow Now thats a rye with character! While I remember this whiskey being a standout on the selection night, Im more than satisfied – shocked even – at how deliciously layered it is straight from the bottle. If only I had some of my sample left to compare. But no worries, I have plenty now. 😉

This whiskey opens with a curious fruity note on the nose (not one I expect from a 100% rye). The best way to describe it is like an orange gummy that spent its life stuck in a Hot Tamales candy box. Theres a cherry note as well, but its more like cherry wood or singed cherry (not cherry candy or soda). Again, quite interesting for straight rye. The taste drives the citrus and zesty oak forward, with earthy and herbal notes dancing on the back palate. And the finish at first youd consider it medium/medium-long in length, but then, the old-fashioned candy spice notes come rolling back. And let me tell ya, its a ride!

Cheers!

dj