I love Kentucky. I was born and raised here. I did leave at one point, but decided to come back and haven't left since.
Kentucky is the perfect state. There is a small town vibe even in Louisville and Lexington. This state has enormous pride in itself. People are excited to be from this area. There are mountains, lakes, state parks, big cities, basketball, world-class horse racing, and of course, bourbon.
There is a famous quote in the bourbon industry that says, "95% of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky, but 100% of the good bourbon is made here." Not sure who should be credited with that quote, so if you know, shout it out.
But what if that wasn't true? Bourbon is the official spirit of the USA, as declared by the United States Congress in 1964. Bourbon Whiskey can be made in any of the 50 states, and surely someone has figured out how to make it taste good outside of Kentucky, right?
That is now my job to figure out. Tonight, I am drinking bourbon from Woodinville, Washington. (The state of Washington) This is Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Private Select Single Barrel Bourbon. (That's a long name) This single barrel was selected by Westport Whiskey & Wine in Louisville, Kentucky. I trust WW&W, as they are one of my favorite bottle shops in the entire state.
So let's see how it goes. The bottle was freshly cracked about an hour ago, and I am tasting from a Glencairn. This is barrel number 3316, and comes in at 120.7 proof.
Nose:
Immediately, I am hit with one of those big white marshmallows that you use to make s'mores. Going back for more, it gets more complex. A number two char marshmallow covered in molasses. That molasses note sticks around and then a dusting of ground cinnamon takes hold. The deeper you go with the nose, the more cinnamon there is. This is the straight ground cinnamon that you find in the spice aisle at you local grocery store.
Palate:
Giving it the ole Kentucky chew, I get that delicious cinnamon candy. Like a fireball. The things in the single packed plastic wrappers? I used to hate those things as a kid, but it seems if you dissolve them in whiskey, they are quite tasty. There are sweet hints of vanilla and molasses, and a minimal alcohol burn considering the proof. I do get some herbal and floral notes from the higher rye content.
Finale: (I stole this cause I like it. Call me out if you must.)
Honestly, this is where this barrel shines. This goes on for days, and takes you on a roller coaster of flavors. You get the cinnamon, then the sweet marshmallow, then the chocolate, then the BIG oak, then a taper off to a rye spice that just lingers. I feel like i just went all the way around a whiskey wheel.
Ok, so here it is:
I have no idea how old this particular barrel may be. I have heard rumors of anywhere from 5 to 6 years, and that is perfect. This is something really good if you like that cinnamon profile. I am blown away by the finish on this particular barrel. As I said before, I trust any barrel picked by Westport Whisky & Wine. That sweet oak and rye spice are still lingering enticing me to try another sip.
This is good bourbon. However, a bit pricy at $80 per bottle retail, it is still good bourbon.
I think the old quote needs to be changed to, "95% of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky, 100% of the GREAT bourbon is made here." Prove me wrong.
Score:
6/10 at a retail price of $80
Again, this is good Bourbon from Washington state. At $80, buy a bottle for your home bar and enjoy that finish that goes on for days. If you can find it on sale for $50, buy a case. Hit me up on Instagram and Twitter @BourbonBrief to hate on this opinion!
Scoring System:
10/10: What whiskey tastes like in your dreams. The perfect pour. Pay what it takes to get a taste
9/10: Find this bottle, share it with friends, talk about it forever, it is that good.
8/10: Moving on up, this is a must-have bottle in a collection
7/10; Seek this bottle out, savor the flavor.
6/10: This is a bottle I would stock in my bar.
5/10: A fair bottle of whiskey for the (retail) price.
4/10: Finally, a hint of flavor.
3/10: Warming up, but that is from the alcohol, no flavor.
2/10: There is worse, but not much.
1/10: Wouldn't touch this with my neighbors 10 foot pole.
Don't: Just don't ask. No whiskey lives here.
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