Bourbon

Bourbon Review: Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon

We review Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon, a Washington state bourbon finished in former Moscatel de Setúbal barrels from Portugal.

OVERALL RATING

10
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Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon

Tasting Notes

About:

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.
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.
Finish:
Comments:
The Woodinville Moscatel Finished Straight Bourbon is a dram of pure pleasure, richness, and decadence. It feels like the distillery captured the opulence of Versailles in a bottle. Bourbon and wine drinkers may find it too fruit-forward or too sweet entirely, but for those who love flavored whiskey and have yet to find a straight bourbon they like, I think this is an enticing choice.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Courtney Kristjana

Courtney Kristjana is a leading whiskey taster in the United States. Inspired by an article on Heather Greene, she left her career in Gerontology to pursue her passion for whiskey. Currently studying to become a Master of Scotch, Courtney dreams of one day being nominated for the Keepers of the Quaich. Her reviews may be as strong as the peat in her scotch, but she guarantees honesty, integrity, and an open mind.

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