Woodinville Straight Bourbon

A present from someone I know, let's discover its qualities: A bright scent includes black cherry, cedar, spicy candy, vanilla cream, orange peel, and a touch of alcohol. A strong aroma considering the alcohol content, I must say. The taste begins with typical vanilla/caramel notes, warm spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), and common stone fruit. It lacks depth and a mid-palate presence, but the existing flavors are agreeably rich. In terms of taste, it exceeds expectations for its category. The short finish offers black cherry from the nose followed by substantial oak. A herbal note (like thyme?) is also present. The texture is full and smooth, perhaps its most appealing aspect. This one was a bit surprising; for a spirit with only five years of aging, it has overcome any harshness and developed nicely. Yet, the issue is that this spirit is merely... pleasant. Lacking anything truly distinctive or memorable, at its price point it tends to get overlooked. It's not inexpensive enough to replace my everyday choices, nor special enough to rival other options at or slightly above its cost. Would I purchase it? Perhaps, depending on availability.

I've been following and evaluating a variety of Woodinville whiskies for over 10 years, but hadn't tried their Straight 90 proof bourbon until now. Tasting neat. Golden brown copper color with strong coating legs in the glass. The nose offers vanilla oak, fruity bubblegum, and a hint of spice in the background. On the palate, there's burnt sugar, vanilla, and a significant amount of tannic oak. The mouthfeel is thin but develops as it transitions to the finish, which becomes fruitier, spicier, grassier, and has a tingling mint that lasts quite a while. It's a balanced combination of sweet, sour, spice, and that prominent oak tannin note. The finish is clean. I can understand why some might find the oak excessive, but I disagree. It's aged with weathered wood and reflects some of that character, though not overwhelmingly so. The port-finished version of this whiskey might appeal more to those who find this too tannic, and it is very good – I recommend trying it! I'm a supporter of Woodinville's production methods and process, even if they create whiskey that presents some challenges. Kudos to them, and to those seeking a different experience.

6oz bottle given by a friend Smell Something unusual, peculiar, like a cheesy scent. Oatmeal, Vanilla, Caramel, Mild fruit - green apples Taste Cheerios, Oak, Caramel, Kettle corn Finish Medium spice, Caramel, Oak, Leaves a cereal taste in my mouth, like plain cheerios Conclusion Improved as I got used to the flavor, but overall was not a big fan. I suspect it's quite young. It has some flavors, but none are particularly positive and the overall profile doesn't seem very balanced. Would not get a bottle. Edit: I drank this after the Rittenhouse Rye, and the difference between the two might have influenced the negative assessment. I will try this again at some point and update my review if the experience changes.

Golden brown color. The aroma presents a strong fruity character with baked apples, strawberries and cream, dark cherries, and a whisper of chocolate-covered orange peel, alongside typical notes of caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla. Medium body feel. I detect significant woodiness on the palate, with initial notes of young oak and cinnamon sticks, followed by fainter tastes of vanilla ice cream and creme brulee. The finish is medium-long and dry, dominated by tannic oak and ground cinnamon, with a touch of black pepper. I enjoy the aroma, but the taste and finish lean this towards being a mixer for me.

It possesses the complexity of a pot still bourbon. The sweetness and alcohol content were well-balanced. It had farmyard and hay notes contrasted with candied cherries (which shifted to pure dark cherry on the finish) and mint. These flavors don't typically harmonize well and seemed to compete for attention, but it wasn't unpleasant, and the finish was quite long. Although it's reasonably priced, I'm unsure if I'd purchase a bottle for my collection. However, it was intellectually stimulating, and I would happily try it again. I'm curious about other expressions from this brand.

TASTING SMELL - Honey and woodsy notes, vanilla, and tropical fruits 🍍 TOWARDS THE MOUTH - Sadly, the fruit is absent from the taste. Primarily, there's honey, woodsy notes, vanilla, and potent herbal scents, close to mint. AFTERTASTE - Intense woodsy aftertaste with a hint of sweetness and spice. PURCHASE? - It's a respectable bourbon for a fair cost and appropriate age for craft spirits. I likely would not buy this again, but I'm eager to sample more of their selections.