The time has finally come. Tomorrow at the ridiculously early hour of 7am, Woodinville Whiskey Co. will be open for business. On sale will be the first issue of their Microbarrel-aged Harvest Release Bourbon and American Whiskey.

If you are thinking, “whoa, that was quick”, it was. Both the whiskey and the bourbon were laid down only a little over a year ago. Owners Brett and Orlin, with a little help from distilling guru Dave Pickerell have been experimenting with non-traditional aging techniques in smaller barrels to accelerate the aging process simply by changing the booze-to-wood surface area ratio. The whiskey spent time in 30 gallon barrels, the bourbon in just 5 gallon. While they have paid the bills with the success of their Peabody Jones Vodka and the White Dog Whiskey, their first love and main goal has always been aged spirits, and what better way to get to that goal faster than with Microbarrel aging?

Don’t let the size fool you – these whiskies are just as serious as those aged in a traditional distillery barrel, they have just grown up faster. And because the boys were able to successfully bring this batch to fruition quicker, the door of possibility has been flung wide open and they have already announced Microbarrel products for 2012. Next up: A 100% Rye Whiskey and “Mashbill No. 9″. Not that they are necessarily opposed to waiting: they also have barrels of a more traditional size full of spirit that they estimate won’t be ready for a few more years.

We got a sneak preview of the Bourbon and the Whiskey a day early, and they did not disappoint. Of the whiskey (82 proof), Brett noted that they were interested in making something that you “didn’t have to analyze” when drinking it, just an delicious and approachable whiskey you could drink anytime. The bourbon (88.8 proof), while more complex and by nature sweeter, is still easy to drink and well balanced, everything you would expect from thoughtful craftsmanship.

Small barrels and handcrafted product can only mean one thing however: small batches and limited quantities. Every year Woodinville will be releasing a new set of Microbarrel-aged whiskies, but for the foreseeable future, no two batches will be the same. Available at the liquor store by special-order only, if in fact you do see it and are craving a bottle, we recommend you don’t pass it up.

Know you want it now? Make it to the distillery tomorrow, and not only will you be one of the first to get your hands on a bottle, but Dave Pickerell is flying in for the event to sign bottles and tell you everything you ever wanted to know about whiskey.

For more information about Woodinville Whiskey Co. visit www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com.

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