New Craft Distiller and New Friend

I had the chance today to meet Orlin Sorensen and his partner, Brett Carlile and tour their distillery, Woodinville Whiskey Co. (shown here with mentor David Pickerell). This is an impressive facility located in Woodinville, producing one of the tastiest vodkas and White Dog Whiskeys that have hit my lips in a long time.

Opening a few months ago, this state-of-the-art distillery has a 265-gallon pot still with a pear-shaped whiskey helmet and 31-foot column stills. They use organic Washington State grains in both of the spirits they produce. Both the owners keep close eye on the product as it goes through the distillation and comes off the still, at over 150 proof.

Dave Pickerell, their Master Distiller, formerly from Maker’s Mark, has been mentoring the owners through the distillery and production process.

Their Peabody Jones Vodka is 100% organic and has a great flavor you can drink by itself, or used as the main ingredient in a cocktail. This premium vodka has a delightfully smooth taste, with a creamy mouth feel and hints of butterscotch, vanilla and almond on the nose. It seems that apple and orange would bring out the best in a cocktail without overriding the flavors of the vodka.

The White Dog Whiskey, (a non-aged whiskey) is made on a true whiskey mash bill that incorporates corn as the base. Bottled at 80 proof this creates a lot of room for mixability in a drink. Sometime in 2011 Woodinville Whiskey Co. will release a barrel-aged whiskey, which is resting in the rafters of the facility right now.

I'm looking forward to incorporating these spirits in the new Daniel's Broiler cocktails this spring. In the meantime, I get the pleasure of experimenting with these spirits and find the perfect cocktail to showcase them.

Visit their website or better yet, visit the distillery, which is open to the public.

Brad Miller
Daniel's Broiler Spirits Director