Gary

Managing apostle and whiskey enthusiast

Woodinville Founder’s Find

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review / ,

Woodinville Founder’s Find
12 Year Old Whiskey from a Bourbon Mash

53.5% ABV
$130
Website
Woodinville Whiskey Founders Find
We would like to thank Woodinville Whiskey for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Woodinville, WA – This fall, as part of its annual Harvest Release, Woodinville Whiskey will introduce its first sourced whiskey, Woodinville Founder’s Find, a discovery too exceptional not to share.

“Working on new whiskey innovation projects with Moët Hennessy, our parent company, introduced me to the world of sourced whiskey,” says Woodinville Whiskey Co-founder and CEO, Orlin Sorensen. “One bourbon I encountered really called out to me and, when Brett and I tasted it together, we knew it was something special.” At that moment, Woodinville’s new Founder’s Find collection was born.

The first bottling in this exciting line of rare and unusual whiskeys is a 12-year-old whiskey from Tennessee, blended six years into aging with a small dose (4%) of 15-year-old Indiana bourbon. Its viscous body, incredible depth, and mile-long finish comes not only from the liquid but from the uncommon way it’s been aged: in a reconditioned barrel, a process by which used barrels are scraped clean and freshly toasted and charred. Years ago, a group of renowned distillers proposed the use of these barrels and began experimenting, only to be rebuffed by lawmakers. Which is how Orlin uncovered this forgotten barrel in the back corner of a legendary rickhouse, patiently waiting for someone to notice and appreciate it.

Confident they’d happened upon something extraordinary, Orlin and Brett entered Woodinville Founder’s Find in the 2024 San Francisco Spirit Awards Competition, where it earned Double Gold medals. The esteemed judges also selected it as one of four finalists for “Best in Class” in the American Blended Whiskey category. The judges’ tasting notes were: “this whiskey boasts an aromatic nose with notes of dried fruit, spice, and a hint of caramel. The palate is smooth and well-rounded with flavors of rye spice, vanilla, and a touch of oak.”

Woodinville Founder’s Find earned Double Platinum in Fred Minnick’s 2024 ASCOT Awards, and it was propelled to the top in a blind tasting by a panel of judges. Out of 900 entries it was a finalist for “Best in Show” and, while not the ultimate winner, Fred selected it as his personal vote for #1 Best in Show Whiskey. Judges gave it these tasting notes: “Aromas of caramel, vanilla and baking spices on the nose while dark cherry and mint shine through on the palate, concluding with a truly incredible finish.”

The first 500 numbered bottles of Founder’s Find (107 proof) will be released exclusively at the distillery’s Harvest Release on October 19 at $129.99 per bottle. The Harvest Release will also feature Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish, a grain to glass offering, priced at $69.99 per bottle. Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish also earned Double Platinum in the ASCOT competition and the judges gave these tasting notes for it: “Fresh and cooked orchard fruit on the nose hangs around on the palate where it’s met with gentle oak and hints of freshly brewed coffee notes and a lingering finish.” The first 500 numbered bottles of this bourbon will also be available that day, when Brett and Orlin will be joined by Fred Minnick to taste the whiskeys and sign bottles. Both Harvest Release whiskeys will be available online at a later date.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Caramel, dried orchard fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, freshly toasted oak, walnuts, cocoa, crème brûlée and Flintstones™ Vitamins.
Palate:  Creamy, sweet with caramel, cherry, honey, nougat, milk chocolate, cinnamon, mint and a bit of pepper spice.
Finish:  Long with caramel apple, milk chocolate and a bit of pepper.
Comments:  The mineral note on the nose is a hallmark of Dickel, but don’t mistake that this is simply Dickel with a different label. It is absolutely unique. The oak on the nose reminds me of fresh wood shavings from taking wood shop as a kid. The reconditioned barrel as well as the blending of an older bourbon definitely adds to the complexity on both the nose and palate. I really enjoyed this one, and coaxing the notes out over time. Shame that this experiment didn’t get more traction (thanks Tennessee lawmakers), but glad that Woodinville is bringing this to market so we can enjoy it!

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish

/ / Bourbon, Review /

Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish
Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sauternes Casks

52.5% ABV
$70
Website
Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sauternes Casks
We would like to thank Woodinville Whiskey for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

Woodinville, WA – This fall, as part of its annual Harvest Release, Woodinville Whiskey will introduce Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish, a grain to glass offering, priced at $69.99 per bottle. Woodinville co-founder and distiller Brett Carlile describes it as having “notes of raisins and ripe plum on the nose that give way to vanilla-soaked pears and kiwi on the palate, with a creamy toffee finish, complimenting the traditional Bourbon characteristics.”

This spring, Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish earned Double Platinum in Fred Minnick’s 2024 ASCOT competition. This truly small-batch spirit starts with traditionally grown corn, rye and malted barley. All of Woodinville’s staple grains are cultivated exclusively on the Omlin Family farm in Quincy, Washington. The grains are mashed and distilled in the Woodinville, WA distillery, then trucked back over the Cascade Mountains for barreling and aging in their private barrel houses, where Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extraction of natural flavors from the oak. Prior to being coopered, the barrel wood is seasoned in open air, rain, wind, sun, and snow for eighteen months, softening the wood’s harsh tannins. The barrels are then slowly toasted and heavily charred to further enrich the wood’s desirable flavors. After the whiskey was fully mature, it was transferred into freshly emptied Sauternes casks.

The first 500 numbered bottles of Woodinville Bourbon Sauternes Finish will be released exclusively at the distillery’s Harvest Release on October 19 at $69.99 per bottle (105 proof). The Harvest Release will also feature Woodinville Whiskey’s Founder’s Find, priced at $129.99 per bottle (107 proof). The first 500 numbered bottles of this whiskey will also be available that day, when Brett and Orlin will be joined by Fred Minnick to taste the whiskeys and sign bottles. Both Harvest Release whiskeys will be available online at a later date.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Fruity, apples and pears with caramel drizzle, vanilla, raisins, soft oak, honey with a hint of green grapes.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel, caramel, vanilla, fruit salad with pears and cherries dusted with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of cloves.
Finish:  Moderate to long finish with toffee, pepper spice and a bit of coconut.
Comments:  This is really lovely whiskey! I had tried Woodinville previously, and honestly wasn’t impressed. Now I’m second guessing if the sample I had was just off, or if my palate was off. This is just a stellar bourbon. It doesn’t need water, but rewards you if you give it just a couple of drops, thickening up even more with notes of chocolate fudge, as well as bring out a bit of cherries on the nose. Don’t see a lot of Sauternes finished bourbon, so hard to compare it to something else – but this is a whiskey that is delicious to just sit back and sip on, or if you want to ponder the nuance it can go there as well. Very well done!

Rating: Must Try

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Blind Barrels – Sample Kit Review

/ / Gary's Blog, Review

Blind Barrels

Price:  See Website for current
As of 10/20/2024
Single box (4 samples): $85 including shipping
Quarterly Subscription (1 box, 4 samples): $59.99 each quarter
Annual Subscription (4 quarterly boxes, 16 samples total): $199.99
Promotions and specials may affect pricing
Blind Barrels
We would like to thank Blind Barrels for sending us a sample kit to review.

What Blind Barrels Says*

* as of 10/20/2024

American Craft Whiskey Club
If you enjoy trying new kinds of whiskey, consider a craft whiskey club subscription from Blind Barrels. We pick top-shelf whiskeys for our members at a discounted price. Our full bottles are a great addition to your whiskey cabinet that you can enjoy yourself or share with a friend. Our American craft whiskey club subscription is also a great gift to give to a friend who loves whiskey. Read on to learn more about our whiskey club.

Our Subscription Process

With each shipment from Blind Barrels, you will get four samples of whiskey bottles. Your first box will ship immediately after you place the order; then, you will get one delivery every quarter (every three months). We look forward to helping you find new whiskey to try.

Other Blind Barrels Products and Services

If you are interested in Blind Barrels merch like hats, drinking glasses, or t-shirts, visit our merch page to purchase these items and wear them with pride. We also offer masterclasses for you to learn more about tasting whiskey, whiskey history, and whiskey recipes.

For more information on joining the craft whiskey club from Blind Barrels, visit our FAQ page. We look forward to helping you discover new whiskey.

How It Works
PICK A SUBSCRIPTION: Sign up yourself or a fellow whiskey lover to the most exclusive top-shelf whiskey club.
SET DELIVERY LOCATION: Curated samples are shipped right to your door every quarter.
ENJOY YOUR NEW DISCOVERIES: Fall in love with a new brand and order member-discounted full bottles to add to your whiskey cabinet.

What Gary Says

Full disclosure – folks who have read our blog are probably aware that I’m not a big fan of most ‘craft whiskey’. While there have been some exceptions, I often find the product just doesn’t compare favorably with similar products from the major distilleries (and is priced super premium). I get the cost advantages that the big companies have, but as a consumer – don’t feel responsible for having to pay the difference. The exception to this is if you can offer me something unique, different, or innovative. So the notion of a tasting kit that focuses on craft whiskey – let’s say I went in with fairly low expectations. Note that

Let’s start with the kit itself. The packaging is solid and well done. Opening the box you’re greeted with a card that details the particular release. The sample I was sent was the June 2024 release, noting to celebrate Father’s day they featured whiskey made by both father-son and father-daughter teams (nice touch). Also noted that a portion of the proceeds from each June box is being donated to Forgotten Not Gone, which I appreciate it.

Blind Barrels Tasting Kit

Removing the card you find the four samples, packed securely in foam and labeled A, B, C and D. Really nice presentation. The back of the card also includes ‘The Tasting Table’ which is a list of notes that one might get with whiskey, starting at a high level and gradually refining. The card also includes instructions to go through the samples once before revealing what they are using the QR code. Appreciate the table, as I’m not ashamed to admit that I have similar tools I like to use when tasting a spirit to try to job the brain as to what aroma or flavor I’m detecting.

Blind Barrels Tasting Kit

The samples themselves are 50 ml, and to follow the required regulations they include a government warning and state in fine print on the back where they were distilled (just the state, not the distillery) as well as the ABV. Appreciate that they keep this small and not draw attention to it; I note it here only so that if you’re wanting to know the least amount of information – you know NOT to look at the back until you’re ready to reveal more details.

Blind Barrels Sample Bottle Back

A 50 mL sample is plenty for someone to do several passes by for nosing tasting. If you’re buying the kit to share, you probably are looking at either only sharing with one other person (if you want to do two small passes), or maybe 3-4 if you only do one pass. Appreciate that the samples were organized from the lowest proof to the highest proof. Any experienced whiskey taster would set it up this way to avoid palate fatigue or burnout from the high proof drams.

I poured maybe 10-12 mL of each into a Glencairn and let them sit for just a few minutes before making my first pass. Just on the nose the four samples were all very different, which is good. While some may enjoy a really narrow tasting (like four bourbons all from the same distillery and mashbill, but at different ages/proofs/rick house aging locations), it can be challenging for those who don’t really geek out on those details. These were all quite different.

I didn’t do very well at guessing what they were. Below is a brief description of my impressions of each, followed by what they are. If you want to read all of the details (or watch the video they share for the tasting), the URL from the QR code is https://blindbarrels.com/pages/0624.

Sample A
Nose was very rye-like, herbal with mint, bit of citrus, cedar – but a little funky; intriguing! The palate had a creamy mouthfeel, with mint, lemon, caramel and a hint of cinnamon.
I guessed this was a rye whiskey with a lot of barley in the mashbill (like 70% rye, 10% corn and 20% barley). Of the four samples, this is the one I enjoyed the most, as it was very intriguing but also quite enjoyable to sip.
[Sample A: Axe Hole Single Malt Whiskey]

Sample B
Nose was very unique, funky with oak and carpet. On the palate, I got herbal notes of cloves and anise, and thought as strange as this was it must be a craft single malt. This was my least favorite of the samples as it was just odd and not in my wheelhouse.
[Sample B: UNBendt Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond]

Sample C
Nose definitely was telegraphing a wine influence, between sherry or marsala, with notes of maple syrup behind the fruit. ON the palate it was malty, with maple, chocolate and a bit of pepper and tarragon. I was at a loss for the type of spirit, as it made me think more of a scotch with different wood management than anything else.
[Sample C: Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey]

Sample D
Nose was richer than the others, with caramel and some chocolate, as well as a grassy note. On the palate it was thick and rich with vanilla, caramel, chocolate and nutty notes. This was the highest proof dram and it stood out (61% ABV), with a bit of a burn. I did peg this as a bourbon, and thought maybe a wheater. This was a close 2nd to Sample A as my favorite, although if I was just looking for one to kick back and enjoy I’d go for this.
[Sample D: Doc Holliday 10 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey]

While not especially a fan of most craft whiskey, and wasn’t particularly fond of a couple of these samples – I absolutely enjoyed the tasting experience! It was fun to try to guess what they were without having any details (while the proof was listed, after I noticed it on the first I didn’t look at the backs of the others until I was done). If you are a fan of craft whiskey, or are starting out on your whiskey journey and trying to figure out what you like and what you don’t – this is a fun way to learn about some different whiskies. This would make a fun whiskey experience gift for someone as well – or for a couple (or couple of friends). This is definitely geared more for the younger (legal drinking age or higher) generation. My dad would enjoy the blind tasting, but lacking a smartphone and having no idea what a QR code is – would have been left out. I like how the site has the samples in envelopes. One recommendation I’d offer is to include the ‘reveal’ in the kit itself but in an envelope with a warning to NOT open; for those few consumers who may not be technologically savvy (although this very likely isn’t in their target demographic).

Cheers!

Gary

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Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky /

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
Blended Scotch Whisky

40% ABV
$65
Website
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky

What the Blender Says

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is the perfect blend for an indulgent celebration. Luxurious, creamy and honeyed, it is a wonderful tribute to the harmonious partnership of Speyside and Highland Whiskies, with just a hint of smouldering embers from the West Coast. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is made for those unforgettable nights out with amazing friends.

Enjoy Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve in any way you like – on its own, with a dash of water, or along with your favourite mixer.

FLAVOURS
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is known for its creamy smoothness. It opens with a luxurious burst of delicate nectar and gentle smokiness that develops into sweet fruits and deeper, velvety, honeyed tones before giving way to sublime, lingering whispers of smoke and oakiness in the finish.

STORY
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is the Celebration Blend, a personal creation of Master Blender Jim Beveridge for very special nights out with very special friends. Included in the blend is the Clynelish Single Malt, whose distillery was fed with water from hills where gold was once discovered. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is every bit as luxurious and indulgent as its name suggests.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve has won several major awards, including four Le Monde Selection Grand Golds and four Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich with sponge cake, peaches, plums, heather, vanilla, honey, floral with poached pears
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, fruity, peaches, bit of earthiness underlying tropical fruit notes (kiwi?), blackcurrants, blackberries and pepper spice.
Finish: Moderately long with fruit notes, pepper spice and vanilla.
Comments: A nice, balanced dram that’s fruity with a bit of earthiness (wouldn’t go so far to say ‘peaty’). The palate bends towards tart fruits, and it takes a bit of water well, dropping the pepper spice edge a bit and rounding out the mouthfeel. This is really just the newer version of the Johnnie Walker Gold Label that dropped the 18 year age statement years ago (but added ‘Reserve’, so there’s that!) I don’t recall the 18 year version, but Rich’s review from 14 years earlier had the same price point – which tells you it isn’t the same. But for the price point I thought it was pretty good.

Rating: Stands Out

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Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

48.9% ABV
$160-200
Website
Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022 Blended Scotch Whisky

What the Blender Says

The whisky inspired by a rock song – remixed​
This is our seventh edition of Flaming Heart, the whisky that revels in the harmonies between heavy peat and toasted French oak. Imagine Metallica with a backing orchestra, and you’re getting close.
With the best bands, each album is an opportunity to explore and experiment; every record is an evolution from the one before. For fans of Flaming Heart, we always seek to evolve the ‘sound’ and have introduced a deep fruitiness to the arrangement for the 2022 version.
The smoke machine is powered by a combination of malts from the Laphroaig, Caol Ila and Talisker distilleries, while our Highland Malt Blend has spent more than five years in richly toasted virgin French oak custom casks to deliver round, booming spicy richness.
FLAVOUR PROFILE: A high-energy nose with smouldering peat embers, cigar wrapper and candied ginger. The palate is oily, smoky, rich and savoury.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS: A whisky for friends, great music, and not taking life too seriously.
TECHNICAL DETAILS: Bottled at 48.9%. Natural colour. Not chill filtered. Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. A limited edition of 9,606 bottles. August 2022.
LEAD WHISKYMAKER: James Saxon.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Smoke and peat with wisps of salty sea air, bit of tar, smoked pork lightly brushed with barbecue sauce, grilled peaches, pears, raisins, mineral notes and leather.
Palate:  Thick and creamy mouthfeel, sweet with smoky caramel, peat, berries, apples, raisins, cherries, and nutmeg.
Finish:  Long and syrupy with apricot jam and peat smoke.
Comments:  I’ve been a fan of Flaming Heart ever since I first tried one (which was the 2012 edition). The 2015 edition I was such a fan of, I stocked up and over a couple of years bought 6 or 7 bottles (hard to tell as some were drank over that period of time!) The SRP back then was around $130 so this wasn’t an inexpensive endeavor – but worth it to me. Fast forward to 2024 when I sat down with a sample of the 2022 Flaming Heart (which I didn’t buy as the SRP was closer to $200 when I saw it on the shelf). Knowing how much I have loved past releases, I wanted to do a blind side-by-side tasting with the 2015. I have to admit – kinda wishing I had picked up a bottle now! This is a marvelous whisky! By comparison, I found this to be thicker on the nose, with more darker fruit notes, and with a bit of water got notes of tropical fruits. The 2015 was a bit lighter in color, with less red and gold – and with a bit of water tended towards more citrusy notes. Also found the nose on the 2015 brighter but a bit thinner. I found the 2015 pretty similar to the 2012 when I did a similar blind side-by-side back in the day. Just another magnificent offering from the folks at Compass Box, who I’ve been fans of for many years while not loving everything they’ve put out.

Rating: Must Try/Must Buy

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