Whisky Trails Bourbon 750ML

Whisky Trails Bourbon 750ML is a 94-proof (47% ABV) four-grain bourbon from OOLA Distillery in Seattle, Washington, bottled at 750ml. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it stands apart through an unusual two-stage barrel maturation process that draws aggressive oak influence early before settling into a deeper, more refined aging phase.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 proof)  |  Origin: Seattle, Washington, USA  |  Four-Grain Bourbon  |  Distillery: OOLA Distillery

Production & Heritage

OOLA Distillery operates out of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, where founder Kirby Kallas-Lewis distills grain-to-glass spirits through the house copper-pot still. The Whisky Trails Bourbon (also known as OOLA Waitsburg Bourbon) uses a corn-forward four-grain mashbill incorporating corn, rye, malted barley, and organic Washington soft white winter wheat. What truly distinguishes the production is OOLA's two-stage maturation: the spirit first enters small American white oak casks exposed to daily temperature swings of 50–70°F, aggressively extracting barrel character early on, before being transferred to 53-gallon American white oak casks with an alligator char for a slower, more measured finish to the aging process. This dual approach compresses flavor development while preserving complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with warm vanilla and caramel before a layer of bright cherry emerges. A spicy thread of cinnamon, ginger, and black peppercorn weaves through, adding depth beneath the sweetness.

Taste: The entry is rich with brown sugar and maple syrup, coating the palate with a dense sweetness. At mid-palate, the rye asserts itself with a peppery kick, balanced by the silky viscosity contributed by the white winter wheat component. Toward the peak, fleeting savory notes — olive brine, dill, and chutney — surface and add an unexpected complexity that keeps this bourbon interesting sip after sip.

Finish: Medium to long, with buttery oak and toffee lingering alongside a bright cherry note that recalls the initial aroma. The texture remains smooth throughout, fading gently with a final whisper of baking spice and toasted wood.

How to Drink Whisky Trails Bourbon

At 94 proof, this bourbon has enough structure to drink neat while still being approachable. A few drops of water open up the sweeter maple and cherry notes without drowning the spice. For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned, where the brown sugar and cherry character align naturally with the classic bitters-and-citrus template. It also excels in a Boulevardier — the rye spice and savory undertones push back beautifully against sweet vermouth and Campari. A Whiskey Sour is another strong choice, as the wheat-driven softness melds seamlessly with citrus juice and simple syrup.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring Pacific Northwest craft distilleries
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unusual production methods
• Building a home bar with distinctive, small-batch American whiskey
• Side-by-side tastings comparing four-grain bourbons to traditional corn-rye-barley mashbills

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Whisky Trails Bourbon taste like? It delivers a sweet core of brown sugar, maple, and cherry balanced by rye-driven cinnamon and black pepper spice. Unexpected savory notes — olive brine and chutney — add complexity before a buttery oak and toffee finish.

How does Whisky Trails Bourbon compare to Woodinville Bourbon? Both are Washington state bourbons, but Whisky Trails uses a four-grain mashbill including soft white winter wheat, while Woodinville relies on a more traditional corn-and-rye base. OOLA's two-stage barrel maturation also creates a distinctly different oak influence compared to Woodinville's conventional aging in full-size barrels.

Is Whisky Trails Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the 94-proof strength provides enough intensity to carry flavor without excessive heat, and the wheat component adds a smooth, silky mouthfeel that makes neat sipping comfortable.

Where is Whisky Trails Bourbon made? It is distilled at OOLA Distillery in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The bourbon is produced grain-to-glass using a copper-pot still and locally sourced Washington grains.

What foods pair well with Whisky Trails Bourbon? The cherry and maple sweetness pairs naturally with smoked pork ribs glazed in barbecue sauce. Sharp aged cheddar complements the spice and buttery oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles echo the brown sugar and toffee character. Pecan pie mirrors the toasted-nut, caramel profile. Grilled stone fruits like peaches bring out the bourbon's bright cherry aromatics.

What sizes does Whisky Trails Bourbon come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Whisky Trails Bourbon worth the price? It positions as a craft-tier bourbon, priced above most mass-market labels but reflective of its small-batch, grain-to-glass production and the labor-intensive two-stage maturation process — solid value for drinkers seeking something outside the Kentucky mainstream.

Why Whisky Trails Bourbon?

The two-stage barrel maturation is the defining detail here. By forcing dramatic daily temperature swings in small casks before finishing in alligator-charred 53-gallon barrels, OOLA accelerates and then refines the wood interaction in a way few American distillers attempt. The four-grain mashbill — particularly the addition of organic Washington soft white winter wheat — adds a textural softness that keeps the 94-proof heat in check while allowing the rye spice and savory notes to shine. A Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validates the approach. For anyone seeking a bourbon that genuinely tastes different from the Kentucky and Tennessee status quo, this is a Pacific Northwest expression with real substance behind it.