Woodinville Bourbon finished in Port Casks

I like MGP products. Because they make some fantastic bourbon, especially the older stuff. And we all know their reputation for Rye. But I do admire a non-Kentuckian distillery actually doing it themselves. Woodinville grows, mashes, distills and ages their bourbon in the state of Washington. Not only is it cool when guys truly do it local, but when ‘local’ isn’t in a typical whiskey region, I get curious. That is how this bottle found its way onto my shelf. I saw three offerings from this little-known distillery at the store. They had a bourbon, a rye and this finished bourbon. I chose the port finish option.

Nose: Bazooka, Vanilla, Dark fruit, Toasted Oak, Port really comes through. Very Angel’s Envy-ish. I really do enjoy the smell of this. The bourbon and port notes smell so delicious together, almost like Raspberry whiskey. That really should be a thing.

Palate: First note is Port, a delicious after dinner Port. The oak settles in pretty quick, but nicely. Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick (I hope someone gets that reference), this is how port is supposed to meld with whiskey. I really enjoy this pour. In today’s over-populated, quality-diluted whiskey market, it is very hard to find a bottle that will blow you away. This whiskey is balanced well, and with a unique flavor, this just might blow you away.

Finish: The port-y grape note lingers for a while, the tannins show up slightly more than I’d like, but then they disappear, and the port hangs out for a long time. The finish is perhaps it’s only downside. But that is easily resolved by refreshing the sip….

Final note: If you like Angels Envy, but want more character, this is a possibility. The price is superb for the quality.

Overall: 73/100

100 Perfect. Buy the distillery

90 Hall of Fame bottle

80 Exceptional

70 Very good, buy again

60 Solid pour

50 Ok, not my favorite

40 Maybe a mixer?

30 and under Do not buy