This fall, Woodinville Whiskey Company is making waves with the release of two exceptional whiskeys as part of its annual 2024 Harvest Release: the Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish and the Woodinville Founder’s Find. These new additions highlight Woodinville’s continued commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, bringing unique flavors and exciting stories to whiskey enthusiasts.
Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
At the forefront of this year’s Harvest Release is the Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish, a grain-to-glass offering that’s both elegant and meticulously crafted. Known for its dedication to sourcing grains locally, Woodinville continues this tradition with the Bourbon Sauternes Finish, which is made from corn, rye, and malted barley grown at the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington.
The process of crafting this bourbon is a testament to Woodinville’s attention to detail. After the grains are mashed and distilled at the Woodinville distillery, the whiskey is trucked across the Cascade Mountains for aging in private barrel houses in Central Washington. The extreme seasonal temperature variations in this region help extract deep flavors from the oak barrels. These barrels are no ordinary containers, though—the wood used to make them is seasoned in the open air for 18 months, exposed to the elements of rain, wind, and sun. This natural aging softens the wood’s tannins, making it perfect for whiskey maturation.
After aging to perfection in these specially prepared barrels, the bourbon is finished in freshly emptied Sauternes wine casks. Sauternes, a sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region of France, imparts unique notes to the whiskey, adding depth and complexity.
The flavor profile of Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish is a standout, with co-founder Brett Carlile describing it as “having notes of raisins and ripe plum on the nose, followed by vanilla-soaked pears and kiwi on the palate, and a creamy toffee finish that complements its traditional bourbon characteristics.” This balanced combination of sweetness and richness helped the bourbon earn Double Platinum in the 2024 ASCOT Awards, where it was celebrated for its exceptional quality.
The first 500 bottles of this small-batch bourbon will be available at Woodinville’s Harvest Release event on October 19, priced at $69.99 per bottle (105 proof). Whiskey lovers can look forward to meeting the founders, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, alongside whiskey expert Fred Minnick, who will be on hand to taste the whiskeys and sign bottles. Those unable to attend in person will have a chance to purchase the Bourbon Sauternes Finish online at a later date.
Woodinville Founder’s Find: An Extraordinary Discovery
Image credit: Woodinville Whiskey Company
Sharing the spotlight with the Sauternes Finish is the Woodinville Founder’s Find, a whiskey with a fascinating history and a flavor profile to match. For the first time in its history, Woodinville is introducing a sourced whiskey to its collection. This special edition came to life when co-founder Orlin Sorensen discovered a forgotten 12-year-old Tennessee whiskey during his collaboration with Moët Hennessy, the parent company of Woodinville Whiskey. After tasting it with Brett Carlile, the pair knew they had found something remarkable.
The Founder’s Find is a blend of this 12-year-old Tennessee whiskey with a small amount (4%) of 15-year-old Indiana bourbon. The aging process for this whiskey is as unique as its flavor. Aged in reconditioned barrels—barrels that have been scraped, re-toasted, and re-charred—this process adds extraordinary depth and complexity to the whiskey. Reconditioned barrels are rare, as this technique faced legal hurdles in the past, making this whiskey even more of a hidden gem.
After being unearthed, the Founder’s Find quickly made its mark on the whiskey world. It earned Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco Spirit Awards, where judges praised its nose of dried fruit, spice, and caramel, as well as its smooth, well-rounded palate with notes of rye spice, vanilla, and oak. It was also a finalist for "Best in Class" in the American Blended Whiskey category. The whiskey continued its success at Fred Minnick’s 2024 ASCOT Awards, earning Double Platinum and being named a finalist for “Best in Show.” Judges noted aromas of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices, while flavors of dark cherry and mint shone through on the palate, finishing with an impressive, lingering finish.
The first 500 numbered bottles of the Founder’s Find (107 proof) will be released exclusively at the Harvest Release event on October 19, priced at $129.99. Like the Bourbon Sauternes Finish, this release will be limited, with bottles available online at a later date.
Craftsmanship at the Heart of Woodinville Whiskey
Both the Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish and the Founder’s Find demonstrate Woodinville’s commitment to innovation while staying true to their roots in grain-to-glass whiskey production. The distillery, founded by Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, continues to grow its legacy as Washington State’s largest craft distillery, producing award-winning whiskeys that are sought after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Woodinville’s story began with the mentorship of industry icon David Pickerell, the late Master Distiller of Maker’s Mark, and has since evolved into a distillery known for its high standards and attention to detail. Whether they are sourcing grains from local farmers or experimenting with unique barrel aging processes, the team at Woodinville consistently delivers top-tier spirits.
The distillery’s Harvest Release event on October 19 will be a highlight for whiskey fans, offering a chance to try these two exclusive releases. For those unable to make it in person, signing up for Woodinville’s email list ensures you’ll receive updates on future releases and the availability of these whiskeys online.
Woodinville Whiskey Company continues to impress with its 2024 Harvest Release, introducing two exciting new whiskeys: the Bourbon Sauternes Finish and the Founder’s Find. Each whiskey tells its own story—whether it’s the careful aging in Sauternes wine casks or the rare discovery of a forgotten Tennessee whiskey, both releases offer a one-of-a-kind experience for whiskey lovers.
With limited quantities available, fans are encouraged to attend the Harvest Release event on October 19 to secure their bottles of these highly anticipated releases. Woodinville’s dedication to quality and innovation ensures that both the Bourbon Sauternes Finish and the Founder’s Find will be must-have additions to any whiskey collection. Keep an eye on Woodinville’s website and email list for more details on future releases and online availability.
About Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Woodinville Whiskey Co. is a renowned craft distillery located in Woodinville, Washington, USA. Founded in 2010 by Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, this distillery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbon and whiskey. What sets Woodinville Whiskey Co. apart is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distillation methods to create its spirits.
One of Woodinville Whiskey Co.'s standout products is its bourbon. They take pride in their grain-to-glass approach, meaning they oversee every aspect of the production process, from growing their own grains to distillation and aging. This dedication to craftsmanship results in a bourbon that's rich in flavor and character, with a distinctive Pacific Northwest influence.
The distillery's picturesque location in Woodinville, nestled among the lush landscapes of Washington wine country, adds to the charm of the Woodinville Whiskey Co. experience. Visitors can take tours of the distillery, gaining insight into the art of whiskey-making while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Over the years, Woodinville Whiskey Co. has received numerous accolades and awards for its bourbons and other spirits. These awards reflect not only the dedication of the team but also the exceptional quality of their products. With a commitment to excellence, a focus on sustainability, and a passion for crafting exceptional whiskey, Woodinville Whiskey Co. has established itself as a prominent player in the American craft distilling scene.
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