Woodinville Straight Bourbon

Woodinville Straight Bourbon is a straight bourbon, which means it follows the category's legal rules. The mash bill is at least 51 percent corn, the whiskey is matured in new charred oak, and nothing is added for color or flavor. No ABV, age statement or tasting profile has been supplied for this bottle, so what follows describes what straight bourbons usually do. Expect a corn-driven sweetness, with caramel and vanilla from the charred oak, and a little baking spice or light rye pepper on the finish. Bottles in this style tend to be softer and rounder than rye whiskey, and they have none of the peat smoke of Scotch. For a first pour, try it neat in a Glencairn glass. The tapered bowl gathers the aromas of oak, caramel and spice, so it is the better choice for judging what the bottle offers. If the alcohol feels sharp, add a few drops of room-temperature water. This loosens the aroma and often brings out sweeter notes. A single large cube in a rocks glass works for slower sipping. It chills the whiskey and dilutes it gradually, though it will mute some of the aroma. Bourbon of this kind suits the classic American cocktails. In an Old Fashioned, the corn sweetness balances sugar and bitters, so a small measure of syrup is enough. A Manhattan made with sweet vermouth and a dash of aromatic bitters gives a richer drink than rye does. A Whiskey Sour with fresh lemon, a touch of simple syrup and an optional egg white shows off the vanilla and oak. For a longer drink, a bourbon highball with soda water and a lemon twist is easy to make and keeps the whiskey in front. A rocks glass is the right choice for the Old Fashioned and the sour, and a tall glass with plenty of ice suits the highball.