Shock and awe: Washington State is home to more than 100 distilleries, more than any other state in the nation. According to the American Distilling Institute (ADI), roughly one-fifth of all the micro-distilleries in the United States are located in the Evergreen state alone. In light of the upcoming PROOF—the annual Washington Distillers Festival on July 9—this week’s selection is of Washington distilleries, new and old.
Sandstone Distillery Stone Carver Vodka | A smooth and full-bodied vodka, this award-winner stays slightly sweet while still retaining the grain flavors brought on by its wheat and barley base. Being the 2016 Silver Medalist in the American Craft Spirits Association and the 2016 Bronze Medalist in the Seattle International Spirits Awards means that what Tenino’s Sandstone is distilling is not without careful thought and patience. With its already present full profile, this vodka works great in both sweet mixers and cocktails.
DeZir Limited Edition Dark Black Cherry Liqueur | Distilling a limited edition flavor can be challenging, especially when up against the solid four flavors of liqueur this Tacoma distillery keep as staples on its menu. This mainstay is a sweet and surprisingly flavorful liqueur that would go great over some dessert, perhaps select cobblers with a side of vanilla ice-cream, also smothered with a generous pour of the black cherry loveliness.
Glass Distillery Glass Nectar | Distilled from grapes hailing from both Washington and Oregon, this honey-infused vodka from the Seattle-based distillery is packaged in an elegant and extravagant bottle, but is still a potent potable at 40 percent ABV. Each bottle is a unique and vintage bottling as no two batches of honey are ever the same – a big ingredient bringing together the spirit. Use this vodka in place of unflavored vodkas when mixing up cocktails for a honey-packed punch.
Dry Fly Distilling Straight Triticale Whiskey | This whiskey is made from one very specific seed variety of triticale, the Scottish hybrid of wheat and rye, which is grown on a 117-year-old family farm in Eastern Washington. Spokane’s Dry Fly claims it’s the world’s only straight triticale whiskey — drinking like a rye with peppery overtones, but finishing like a soft wheat whiskey. Pick your poison: neat, on the rocks or in the Triticale Old Fashioned.
Night Side Apple Pie Moonshine | Born on the docks of Seattle comes Nightside Distillery’s multitude of creations, including their Apple Pie Moonshine. Flavor is not lacking, and you can tell when you give the ‘shine a smell after twisting off the top. Cinnamon sticks can be seen by your nose and mouth, but not visually, for this hand crafted natural spirit has no sediments or cinnamon sticks apparent. This smooth and flavorful spirit will spice, and sweeten up any cocktail requiring just that.
