Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Old Line Spirits. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
The Old Line American Single Malt Whiskey Golden Edition is a special whiskey with a heartfelt story. Old Line started in Baltimore, Maryland, with two friends that were beginners to the distillery world. It was a chance meeting in Seattle, Washington, however, that really got them up and running. Two aging distillers were looking to sell their award winning, small production distillery.
These two distillers from Washington, Bob and Jim, generously handed down everything they knew, including barrels of whiskey, from Golden Northwest Distillery in Samish, Island Washington, to the new generation, the new distillery Old Line. They all worked side by side getting to know each other and the whiskey making process and the fundamentals of the trade.
Old Line Golden Edition has been aging for eight years and it’s the last of the whiskey that was barreled by Bob and Jim of Golden Distilling. Everything from the distillery made its way over to the East Coast and was slowly bottled and sold as Old Line Whiskey. This special Golden Edition is made from three barrels that were earmarked for later. Later, being five years after the transfer.
This whiskey is a labor of love between the old guard and the new. It was aged in both Washington and Maryland, with a cross country journey in the middle. There’s the passing of knowledge from one generation to another in this bottle alone.
Originally setting out to make bourbon and rye, Mark and Arch were won over by what they learned in Washington and today are still making mostly single malt whiskey, a peated single malt whiskey and some aged rum. They are continuing the award winning footsteps, winning several awards on their own. It’s an uncommon path but one they were fortunate to get into.
Tasting Notes: Old Line American Single Malt Whiskey Golden Edition
Vital stats: Distilled on Samish Island WA; 100% malted barley; 100 proof; 750 ml; $50
Appearance: Mahogany
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Nose: It’s a very fruit forward whiskey. Smells of overripe apple with a hint of honeydew rind and honey. Perhaps a little like a malty caramel corn.
Palate: Old Line Golden Edition is both sweet and hot. I would say it’s more hot than sweet and a bit thin on flavor. Adding a touch of water didn’t really open up additional flavors as I’d hoped it would.
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