Just a short drive from Seattle, situated in the heart of western Washington wine and whiskey country, Woodinville Whiskey Co. has carved out a name for itself with its bourbon and rye. Known for a hands-on approach and a commitment to local sourcing, the distillery has catered to whiskey lovers with both its flagship expressions and its creative, limited-release finishes.

In May 2025, Woodinville is bridging the flavors of Washington State and Mexico with the release of its Woodinville Special Limited Release Straight Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels. It’s a meeting of two worlds—northwest craftsmanship meets Mexican soul.

This special release begins with Woodinville’s signature straight bourbon: a mashbill of 72% corn, 22% rye, and 6% malted barley, made with grain grown on the Omlin family farm in Central Washington. After an 84-hour fermentation, the whiskey was distilled on a Kothe still. It entered 53-gallon Cooper’s Select barrels—crafted by Independent Stave Co. from staves air-seasoned for 18-24 months—with a heavy #5 char, resting for nearly six years before its final journey.

That journey? An 8-month finish in barrels that once held extra añejo tequila. While Woodinville hasn’t disclosed the exact source of these tequila casks, the distillery is part of the Moët Hennessy family—which also owns Volcan de Mi Tierra, from NOM 1523—making it a fair bet that these deeply seasoned barrels came from their tequila operation.

Distilled in the temperate west and aged in the more extreme climate of central Washington, Woodinville offers a collaboration between Washington State and Mexico that resulted in less than 2000 bottles. Tequila-finished bourbon is becoming an increasingly familiar presence in the American whiskey scene. Yet, many enthusiasts remain skeptical, arguing that the flavors of tequila and bourbon simply don’t mix. So, did Woodinville manage to pull off a tequila-finished bourbon that actually works? Let’s dive in and find out.

Woodinville Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels Review

The nose opens with bold aromas of burnt brown sugar and smoky, charred orange peel, offering immediate depth and intrigue. These intense notes gradually give way to a vegetal layer reminiscent of roasted butternut squash. Hints of wintergreen and subtle traces of black licorice add dimension, wrapping up the nosing experience.

On the palate, dried apples and clove take the lead, followed by a lively midpalate where passionfruit mingles with black licorice and a blast of grapefruit zest. The mouthfeel is dry and distinctly crisp, lending the bourbon a perceived heat that outpaces its 100-proof label.

The finish introduces mild tobacco that mingles with earthy cooked agave, evolving into an exceptionally long finale. Lingering notes of black pepper and crisp grapefruit zest continue to echo long after the last sip.

The extra añejo tequila cask finish adds an interesting twist to Woodinville’s classic bourbon profile. While the bold, familiar base still dominates, the subtle vegetal notes from the tequila cask manage to shine through just enough to add some character. It’s not a radical departure, but it’s a well-executed, limited-edition variation that fans of the brand will likely appreciate. A solid, thoughtful release that’s worth a try—especially for collectors or loyalists.

100 proof.

B+ / $70 / woodinvillewhiskeyco.com

The post Review: Woodinville Bourbon Finished in Tequila Barrels appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.