Distillery: Woodinville Whiskey—Woodinville, WA
Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)
Age: Nine Years
Mashbill: 55% Corn, 35% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
MSRP: $130
Limited Edition – Mature and Built on the Strength of Rye
Woodinville Whiskey Company is commended for their embrace of patience and precision. This nine-year release is the distillery’s most mature expression to-date, and it breaks from the typical Kentucky model in more ways than one. Rather than a corn-heavy mashbill, Woodinville used a high rye grainbill of 55% corn, 35% rye, and 10% malted barley. That choice brings a spicier, more robust character that makes it stand apart from sweeter, traditional bourbons.
All maturation took place in Quincy, Washington, where cooler conditions encourage slow interaction with the barrel which means a slower development of the flavor profiles. Bottled at 100 proof and limited to just 500 cases, this whiskey is a milestone release for Woodinville.
Collectors may note the first 500 bottles were offered at the distillery on August 23, 2025, with a national online rollout beginning August 25. Once this batch is gone, it will not be repeated. Here’s the purchase link.
Woodinville 9-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.5/5
Caramelized brown sugar. Cinnamon apples baking. Muddled mint leaf. Roasted pecans.
Strengths: There is a remarkable clarity between the sweetness and rye-driven spice. Cinnamon apple notes are rich. Mint brightens the Nose.
Why It’s Not Higher: A faint sharpness after first cork pop. Time in the glass eases that sharpness.
Rating Justification: Bold. Layers. Distinctive. Reflects both the maturity and rye-heavy structure.
Palate – 4.3/5
Caramel drizzle over rye bread. Cinnamon and cider. Honey-roasted almonds.
Strengths: Palate meet rye–it’s unmistakable but not overwhelming. Tobacco and toasted almonds help it lean dry. Packs full of flavors that come in bands.
Why It’s Not Higher: The 100 proof delivers but there’s no doubt a higher proof intensity would reveal even more depth to the flavors. Fans of cask strength rye-forward bourbons will wish for more force in the proof.
Rating Justification: A mature, rye-driven bourbon that pulls off the balance between spice, grain character, and sweetness.
Finish – 4.2/5
Worn leather chair like your grandfather sat in. Fresh espresso. Dry oak tannins.
Strengths: The Finish leans heavily into espresso, leather, and spice notes. The close is long, warm, and firmly mature.
Why It’s Not Higher: Oak tannins land slightly dry which narrows the sweetness and makes the final moments a touch “stern” compared to the Palate.
Rating Justification: A Finish that proudly embraces the rye—spicy and complex. A shade drier than ideal.
Value – 3.75/5
At $130, Woodinville positions this release in the premium craft bourbon tier. Several factors make the price defensible: nine years of age, an uncommon mashbill that delivers a distinctive profile, and a limited run of only 500 cases. For enthusiasts who prioritize rarity, it represents an opportunity to taste Washington-aged bourbon at its peak.
For everyday drinkers, the price is steep, and more affordable bourbons can provide ample satisfaction. Stacked up against the similar age and mashbill of Knob Creek 10-Year with an MSRP of $70, this Woodinville quickly falters. But for collectors and fans of rye-forward bourbon, the combination of maturity, scarcity, and regional identity makes this release worth the outlay.
Woodinville 9-Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Woodinville’s nine-year-old straight bourbon is not about sheer power—it’s about complexity on the senses and distinction of the achievement. At 100 proof, it remains refined, drinkable, and perhaps even elegant–though a touch more proof could have revealed even greater intensity. Collectors may note the first 500 bottles were offered at the distillery on August 23, 2025, with a national online rollout beginning August 25. Shop now.
Verdict – 4.2/5
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
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.
