Drink the Bottles

The Pacific Northwest may not be the first place whiskey enthusiasts think of when discussing American rye, but Wildwood Spirits has spent more than a decade proving that exceptional spirits can come from outside the traditional whiskey hotbeds.   Founded in 2014 by master distiller Erik Liedholm and restaurateur John Howie, Wildwood Spirits began with a simple philosophy: source exceptional ingredients, focus on craftsmanship, and create spirits with the same attention to detail typically reserved for fine wine. Located in Washington State, the distillery has built a reputation for its small-batch approach and its commitment to locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.  While Wildwood produces its own spirits, the company has also demonstrated a talent for sourcing quality whiskey and putting its own signature on the final product through thoughtful maturation and finishing techniques. That philosophy is on full display with Rendition Aged 10 Years Rye. What immedia...

  We have been enjoying multiple bottles from Buzzard's Roost for a couple of years and we were recently introduced to the fan club - Ambuzzadors - that was started in 2022.   Twice a year these die hard fans are invited to Whiskey Row to the Buzzard's Roose headquarters for a barrel pick.  The cool thing about these bottles is that they are extremely exclusive; they do not go into distribution and they are available only online at at Whiskey Row. We recently received a 100mL sample bottle of the  Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzadors Select Single Barrel Rye 2025 to taste, and this one.... is a HIT!  Caramel-gingerbread in color, this has concentrated and defined aromas of peach, apricot, coffee bean, chocolate bits and dried earth.  For a bottle that has a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, we were really taken back by the citrus flavors that held on from beginning to end along with rich, butter cream icing and toasted nuts.  The finish sticks ar...