Where is Woodson whiskey made?

Answered by Michael Blake

Woodson is made through a unique and fascinating process that combines the best of Kentucky and California craftsmanship. The journey begins in the heart of Kentucky, where the mash for Woodson whiskey is carefully crafted. The exact recipe and ingredients used in the mash are a closely guarded secret, but what we do know is that it is a carefully balanced blend of grains that create a rich and flavorful base for the whiskey.

Once the mash is created, it is then aged in . But here is where Woodson whiskey takes a different path. Instead of aging in traditional warehouses, the barrels are sent to a manufacturer who uses ultrasonic waves to accelerate the aging process. This innovative technique increases the contact between the and the staves, resulting in a more intense and mature flavor profile.

After this initial aging process, the barrels are then transported to the Woodson distillery in San Diego, California. Here, they are given a final finishing in French Oak Cabernet barrels. These barrels, which were previously used to make Charles Woodson's renowned Napa Valley wine, impart unique nuances and complexities to the whiskey. The flavors from the wine barrels mingle with the rich bourbon, creating a harmonious marriage of Kentucky and California influences.

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can attest to the impact that barrel finishing can have on a spirit. The use of French Oak Cabernet wine barrels adds layers of complexity and depth to Woodson whiskey. The wine-soaked wood imparts subtle fruity notes, hints of spice, and a velvety texture to the final product. It truly is a marriage of two worlds – the boldness of Kentucky bourbon and the elegance of Napa Valley wine.

The location of the Woodson distillery in San Diego also adds to the uniqueness of this whiskey. California is known for its innovative and experimental approach to craft beverages, and Woodson whiskey is a testament to that spirit. The combination of traditional Kentucky bourbon-making techniques with the cutting-edge aging process and barrel finishing in California results in a truly exceptional and distinctive whiskey.

Woodson whiskey is made through a multi-step process that starts in Kentucky, where the mash is created, then ages in barrels using ultrasonic waves to enhance the interaction between the bourbon and the wood. The finishing touch is added at the Woodson distillery in San Diego, where the whiskey is further aged in French Oak Cabernet wine barrels. This unique and meticulous process produces a whiskey that showcases the best of both Kentucky and California craftsmanship, resulting in a truly remarkable spirit.