Woodinville
Woodinville Whiskey Co. is a craft distillery based in Woodinville, Washington, in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's Sammamish River Valley. Founded in 2010, the distillery has built a reputation for grain-to-glass whiskey made with locally grown grains and aged in the region's distinctive climate.
The brand is best known for its straight bourbon and rye whiskeys, produced using traditional methods and full-term barrel aging. Woodinville has grown from a small startup into one of Washington State's most recognized whiskey producers, offering a range of expressions suited to both sipping and mixing.
Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Read more about Woodinville
Woodinville Whiskey Co. is a craft distillery based in Woodinville, Washington, in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's Sammamish River Valley. Founded in 2010, the distillery has built a reputation for grain-to-glass whiskey made with locally grown grains and aged in the region's distinctive climate.
The brand is best known for its straight bourbon and rye whiskeys, produced using traditional methods and full-term barrel aging. Woodinville has grown from a small startup into one of Washington State's most recognized whiskey producers, offering a range of expressions suited to both sipping and mixing.
History and Background
Woodinville Whiskey Co. was founded in 2010 by Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, two friends who set out to create authentic craft whiskey in Washington State. In the early years, the founders consulted with respected Kentucky master distiller David Pickerell, formerly of Maker's Mark, to help shape their production approach.
The distillery emphasizes a grain-to-glass philosophy, meaning it controls the process from the grain in the field through distillation and bottling. Its grains are grown in Washington's Columbia Valley, and the whiskey is aged on-site in Woodinville. In 2017, the brand became part of the Moët Hennessy portfolio, which expanded its reach while the distillery maintained its Washington operations.
House Style and Production
Woodinville's flagship bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, all sourced from a single family farm in the Columbia Valley. The grains are milled, distilled, and then aged in new American oak barrels for a full-term maturation, typically around five years.
The brand's straight rye whiskey follows a similar grain-to-glass approach, delivering a spicier, bolder profile characteristic of rye. Woodinville also releases additional expressions such as port-finished and other cask-finished whiskeys, giving enthusiasts variety beyond the core lineup.
The Pacific Northwest climate plays a role in the maturation character, with seasonal temperature swings influencing how the whiskey interacts with the oak. The result is a house style known for balance, approachability, and rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice.
What to Expect and Buying Tips
Shoppers can expect Woodinville's core range to include Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey, both bottled at 90 proof. These are versatile bottles that work well neat, on the rocks, or as the base for classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Beyond the standard offerings, look for special and cask-finished releases that appear periodically. These limited expressions, including port-finished versions, often showcase different flavor profiles and can be of particular interest to collectors and enthusiasts.
When buying, consider your intended use: the bourbon offers a smoother, sweeter profile ideal for sipping, while the rye brings more spice and structure. All bottles ship nationwide where allowed, making it easy to explore the range regardless of your location.