On March 12, the doors opened into the Terrace Club at Safeco Field but no baseball was played in the SoDo neighborhood that day. Instead, the first annual Whiskey Rocks Northwest took over the stadium with a familiar playful spirit, where drinks were imbibed and appetizers ran aplenty. As exhibited through this inaugural Whiskey Rocks NW presented by CBS Radio, the world of whiskey indeed brings folks together – cowboy boots and all.
An array of distillers gathered to show off their spirits in benefit of the Emerald City Pet Rescue, so whiskey lovers and whisker lovers alike could unite and drink for a cause. Each table showcased an adoptable cat or dog; from sleek Russian Blue “Azul” to handsome Cattle Dog “Jack,” pet lovers could read pet biographies and plan their future furry family whilst sipping away. Live music sprang from the speakers, with performances from country sensation Aaron Crawford and local rock tribute band Spike & The Impalers.
In a sea of brown liquor producers from Tennessee classic Jack Daniels and Kentucky’s Buffalo Trace to Scottish top-shelfer Macallan and a number of Canadian whiskey mainstays, a few choice Northwest whiskeys shined.
Bendistillery’s Crater Lake Rye Whiskey makes an impression, hailing from Bend, Oregon and crafted with rye grain and pure Cascade Mountain water – sourced from the mountains overlooking its glistening namesake Crater Lake. This whiskey has a touch of caramel and toffee on the palate and was definitely one of the forerunners where going down the hatch smoothly is concerned.
Also from Oregon, Rogue Spirits brought along three of their four whiskeys for tasting: Chipotle Whiskey, Oregon Single Malt Whiskey and Rogue Farms Oregon Rye Whiskey. As implied by its name, the Chipotle Whiskey is a smoky, spicy ride via Rogue Farms’ jalapeño peppers – a more sophisticated Fireball; Oregon Single Malt Whiskey boasts floral aromas for a smooth, warm sip that is befitting of its malt character; Rogue Farms Oregon Rye Whiskey is an equally smooth yet more classic taste out of the three, crafted with “ground to glass” Dream Rye – fruit and nut lies on the palate here.
Although it would have been satisfying to experience more local whiskeys, the inaugural event was a successful one. Notes for next year: you may need to force your tasting card into the hands of your pourer if you want to get your tastes marked off, or continue tasting long past the 10 or 14 as indicated. Choose wisely, but regardless, taste wonderful whiskey along the way.
