Editor’s Note: This whisk(e)y was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The Pacific Northwest is home to many craft distilleries, but not all of them started under the tutelage of industry icon, Dave Pickerell. Woodinville Whiskey Co. in Washington state is such a distillery. It all started with a dream by two friends, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile. Since its foundation in 2010, Woodinville Whiskey Co. has attained many accolades.
Once a year, the distillery has its Harvest Release. The 2021 Harvest Release was a Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon. What was once a distillery-only release, the Moscatel Finish is now available in 23 markets. It is also one of the only bourbons finished in this type of fortified wine.
Portugal is known for its Madeira and Port wines, but another sweet fortified wine from the country is Moscatel. It is made with a muscat variety that is sun dried to enhance the grape’s fruity flavors. Woodinville uses 10-year-old, 200-gallon Moscatel de Setúbal barrels.
The use of high-quality Moscatel pipes does not surprise me. Woodinville Whiskey Co. has a high standard from grain to glass. The corn, rye, and malted barley used in their signature bourbon are grown exclusively for the distillery on the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington. Given that bourbon is already a sweet whiskey, my sweet tooth cannot wait to see how the Moscatel Finish interacts with the spirit.
Tasting Notes: Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon
Vital Stats: 50% ABV, 100 proof. 5-year-old straight bourbon finished in 10-year-old Moscatel de Setúbal pipes. 750ml $100.
Appearance: Peanut skin
Nose: The nose is rich in fruits and sweets. At first, the nose begins with vanilla cherry cola. Next, a crisp granny smith apple comes forth. Desserts add layers to the middle, especially a creamy crème brûlée with a thick crust of toasted sugar. Seafoam chocolate that you would get at a specialty candy shop comes through the end with the complexity of cocoa nibs and sea salt.
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Palate: The Moscatel finish richly impacts the straight bourbon almost to a fault. It sips like a dessert wine with so much complexity. Brandied raisin and ripe apple slices mingle with honey straight from the comb. Apricot preserves and more stone fruit fill out the middle. The finish is reminiscent of bananas foster. Lastly, dutch-pressed cocoa lingers on the breath.
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