Distillery: Woodinville Whiskey Company
Proof: 90
Age: 5 years + 6 months in port casks
Mashbill: 72% corn, 22% rye, & 6% malted barley
BACKGROUND: The Woodinville Port Finish is aged for 5 years before being placed in ruby Port finished barrels for an additional 6 months. The Master Distiller proclaims the port finishing process is meant to add a viscous mouthfeel, only to be topped with flavors of cherries, chocolate, and berries.
NOSE: Quite a bold nose for a 90 proof bourbon. On first whiff, strong notes of dark fruit, caramel, and vanilla. As time passes, fruiter notes of licorice and grape intermingling delightfully with an oaky, sweet sawdust combination. (23/25)
PALATE: A light oily mouthfeel loaded with sweet fruity notes. Plums, dark licorice, cherry, & sweet caramel dominate the front end of the palate. As you continue sipping, a rich oak starts to balance out the sweetness. (29/40)
FINISH: As the palate fades you are left with a dry fruity mouthfeel loaded with a fruity grape flavor. (21/25)
VALUE: For $70 I think this is a little pricey compared to some other port finished expressions. (6/10)
Overall: 79/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: As a big fan of port finished whiskey, I think this is a little too fruity for my liking. I believe a 100 proof version of this expression would be lights out.
Slightly Better Whiskey: Angels Envy
Equal Whiskey: St. Augustine Port Finished Whiskey
Slightly Worse Whiskey: Isaac Bowman Port Finished Whiskey
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away