Distiller Notes
This 100% rye starts with pure, traditionally-grown rye cultivated exclusively for us on the Omlin family farm in Quincy, Washington. The grain is mashed, distilled & barreled in our Woodinville distillery – then trucked back over the Cascade Mountains to our private barrel houses, where Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extraction of natural flavors from the oak. Prior to being coopered, the barrel wood is seasoned in open air, rain, wind, sun and snow for eighteen months softening the wood’s harsh tannins. They are then slowly toasted and heavily charred to further enrich the wood’s desirable flavors. The result of this meticulous process yields a truly hand-crafted whiskey with aromas of cinnamon, clove, and fruit leather, and notes of caramel, wood spice, and honey on the palate with a long, memorable finish that will leave you anticipating your next sip.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This is a 100% rye whiskey made with Washington state grain. Look for a tawny hue and distinctly fruity scent layered with a wash of vanilla. The bracing, lean palate shows plenty of vanilla and caramel up front plus a hint of espresso, sparked with fiery cayenne and hot cinnamon on the drying fade. A splash of water coaxes out a pleasing nuttiness and tones down the spicy heat.
The story of Woodinville doesn’t begin with a 100-year-old recipe or generations of family distillers. It begins with two best friends and a dream.
The dream is to make the greatest craft whiskey in the world by bringing the time-honored traditions of bourbon production into a craft environment — using the highest quality locally grown grains, the best barrels and coopers in the world, the most technologically advanced distilling equipment, and the mentorship of an industry icon, David Pickerell, former Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark.
You are only as good as those who have taught you, and we’re honored to have one of the best teacher’s in the world. After 14 years as master distiller at Maker’s Mark, David Pickerell has been our guiding hand since the day we set up shop. We’re proud to call him our teacher and friend.
All of our grain is grown exclusively for us on the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington. As third generation farmers, Arnie and Phyllis Omlin know what it takes to grow the finest grains. We’re honored to be part of the family.
Known for its peppery, spicy bite, Rye serves as the ideal base for cocktails like the Sazerac, Manhattan or Old Fashioned. In order for a spirit to be labeled an American Rye Whiskey, the mash bill must be comprised of at least 51% rye grain. The remainder of the mash is most often a combination of malted barley, wheat or corn. After distillation is complete, the spirit is transferred to unused, charred white oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though many producers choose to age longer.