Everett Liquor Co. Bourbon Review

Distillery: James Bay Distillers -– Everett, Washington

Proof: 80.0 (40.0% ABV)

Age: Five Years

Mashbill: 100% Corn

MSRP: $53

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A Throwback Label with a Straightforward Corn Identity.

Everett Liquor Co. Bourbon revives a local Washington-state whiskey heritage dating back to 1902.  Back in the day, the original Everett Liquor Co. operated on near the city’s growing industrial district.  James Bay Distillers resurrected the name as a nod to that era by using the throwback label and packaging and pairing the vintage look with a corn-driven bourbon profile and traditional aging approach.  This five-year expression leans fully into its 100% corn whiskey construction coupled with an easygoing 80 proof.

Let’s see how this historic revival performs in the glass.

Everett Liquor Co. Bourbon Review Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.7/5

Sweet creamed corn.  Cut corn stalk.  Earthy undertones.  Warm simple syrup.
Strengths:  The Nose captures a very clear grain identity.  Light field-earth qualities that feel honest to the mashbill.  The sweet notes—caramel corn and simple syrup—give it a pleasant, snack-like quality.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The Nose stays tight to its corn-focused lane.  Doesn’t evolve with time.
Rating Justification:  A clean, straightforward corn-driven Nose with nice sweetness.  Modest in complexity.

Palate – 3.6/5

Light mellow-corn sweetness.  
Strengths:  The Palate delivers exactly what the specs suggest—corn sweetness.  A profile that’s exactly what you might expect from an aged 100% corn white whiskey.  Fans of Mellow Corn will recognize the familiar grain-first footprint.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Limited development and minimal oak notes keep the Palate from feeling mature.
Rating Justification: Flavor clarity is strong, but range and layering remain narrow.

Finish – 3.5/5

Medium length.  Full tongue coating.  Licorice-like note at the end.
Strengths:  The Finish offers more than expected for 80 proof.  A thick tongue coating and a distinctive licorice-leaning aftertaste sets it apart from similar corn whiskeys.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The licorice note may feel abrupt and not integrated with the sweeter corn elements.
Rating Justification: Pleasing texture with a unique closing note.  Restrained in complexity.

Value – 3.9/5

At $53, Everett Liquor Co. Bourbon sits in a competitive price tier; a tier where many five-year bourbons display greater barrel influence and higher complexity.  What this bottle offers instead is a clear and unapologetic corn-whiskey profile with a nod to its heritage.  The value approaches reasonable for enthusiasts who specifically enjoy 100% corn whiskey, but it’s a tougher sell for those seeking depth or oak structure at this price point.

Everett Liquor Co. Bourbon Review Review: The Verdict

The Nose leans heavily into field-corn sweetness, the Palate echoes aged moonshine and mellow-corn traits, and the Finish offers a unique licorice-like note that coats the tongue well for 80 proof.  It performs within its narrow lane, but the price moderates the overall rating.  A solid option for fans of corn whiskey or those interested in a heritage revival from Washington’s craft scene.

Verdict – 3.6/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3