Stories

,

2022 Founder’s Reserve: Single Barrel, Cask Strength

HH11 bottle with barrel

Founder’s Reserve EG HH11 is our second cask-strength, single barrel, American single malt whiskey. AND – at 7-years-old – our oldest whiskey to date. It’s very rare and, in our opinion, incredibly good.

Read more
/0 Comments/by

Secondary Maturation

Whiskey finishing is a technique whereby a distiller transfers their whiskey from one type of cask into another. This secondary maturation occurs in a ‘finishing barrel” - a barrel that's been previously used to mature something else e.g.…

Barrel Toast vs Char

Whiskey barrels have a specific char and toast level. The level of toast and char has a significant impact on flavor imparted from the cask to the whiskey. Toasting occurs when the flame doesn't actually touch the wood. It releases simple sugars…

Stave Seasoning Matters

The wood that makes the staves for the barrel can be kiln-dried or air-dried. Believe it or not, this small detail in whiskey barrel production has a major impact on flavor.  When the wood is air dried (or seasoned) outside, the sun, rain,…

In Oak We Trust

“Considering oak’s profound effect on the taste of whisky, it’s not surprising that the details count. The specific type of oak, the origin of the tree, and all the finer points of its treatment during production will influence the flavors…
Wanderback Whiskey CoWanderback Whiskey Co

Wanderback Adventures Voting

Wanderback Adventures: Photo Contest

We want to see your adventures and what you are inspired by. Where are you wandering, who are you doing it with, and what are you learning along the way?

Wanderback Barrel Program

As a boutique distillery, Wanderback has the advantage of running a nimble barrel program. This means that we can source barrels needed according to what we think the whiskey asks for at all stages of aging and - as with all aspects of our whiskey making - we can experiment quite a bit.

Founder's Reserve: Fireside Chat

Founder’s Reserve EG HH10 is our first ever cask-strength, single barrel, American single malt whiskey. It is special, rare and, in our opinion, very, very good.
,

Batch No. 4 Release Party

We're celebrating the release of Batch No. 4: a 6-year double-oaked American Single Malt!

Quiz: How Does Wood Age Whiskey?

Do you know how wood ages whiskey? Take our quiz to find out!

Learn from the Best: Craft Whiskey Cocktails

Mixing craft cocktails with high quality and limited release ingredients is a delicate process. Learn how to make the perfect Old Fashioned and Manhattan.

Pushing Boundaries: Malt Innovation

Learn about producing high quality grains in the PNW, the future of malting, and our collaboration to produce our first estate grown malt whiskey.

American Single Malt: The Magical Mash Bill

Malted barley. It’s the only grain in American single malt whiskey BUT there’s much to consider when crafting the perfect mash bill...

The Science of Barrel Aging Whiskey

We take a deeper dive into the different ways in which flavor is imparted and the factors that effect whiskey aging the most.

A Short Wander: Farm to Glass Whiskey

This year, we produced our first estate-grown malt whiskey in partnership with Double Mountain Brewing and McCarthy's, both based in Hood River.

Crafting Barrels: The Art of the Cooper

Coopering, the art of crafting barrels, has been around for thousands of years and is arguably one of mankind’s most important inventions.

How To Taste Whiskey

Curious how to “taste” whiskey? It’s definitely different from simply drinking and enjoying a dram and can be a lot more intimidating!

Barrel Aging Whiskey: The Impact of New and Previously Used Casks

Learn the science behind how barrels change the whiskey as it ages plus get an understanding of our new & finishing cask selection process.

World Whiskeys Explained: Bourbon, Rye, Scotch, Single Malt & More

Learn the official differences between ASM and other American and world whiskeys and how to taste the differences on your palate.

Pale and Specialty Malt: Production Methods and Impact on Flavor

Discover the different ways in which barley is malted, how they lend different flavor profiles, and how the craft malt industry is growing in the PNW.

From Mash Bill to Distillate: Distillery Process and Effects of Equipment

,

Our Aging Climate and Environment

When we first purchased the Farm, we knew it was special, but the vision for Wanderback didn’t come until much later. What we did realize immediately, however, was the natural beauty of the place. Rolling hills tucked between Cascade mountains, an abundance of fresh, clean water and fertile soil added to the allure.

How Should You Taste Whiskey?

Did you know up to 70% of the final flavors and fragrances found in whiskey are formed within the relationship between the new make spirit and the wood. Here's an easily digestible read on this tremendously multivarite process on the science of barrel aging whiskey.

What Is American Single Malt?

American single malt is a hot topic in the world of spirits. While a firm definition of what constitutes a whiskey in this category is still fluid, there are some emerging standards.

Malt: Specialty vs Pale?

Wanderback's American single malt whiskey is made from a bespoke mash bill of 100% malted barley grown in the Pacific Northwest.

How Does Wood Age Whiskey?

Curious about the science behind the barrel aging of whiskey? We've made this tremendously multivarite organic chemistry process easy to digest.

Cask Selection: Char vs Toast?

We selected American oak whiskey aging barrels with a heavy toast (not char) to give our limited edition single malts a unique richness and spiciness.
Wanderback Whiskey CoWanderback Whiskey Co
,

Winter Moto Trip Through The Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree

At Wanderback, moto adventures and whiskey go hand in hand. Read about our Founder's trip from Vegas, through the Mojave Desert, to Joshua Tree and finally Palm Springs. This trip that started in PNW winter rains ended in Californian desert snow!
Wanderback Whiskey CoWanderback Whiskey Co
,

Charles MacLean Review

When a great connoisseur like Charles MacLean agrees to taste your whiskey, any whiskey maker - no matter how well known - is going to be a little apprehensive. He’s published ten books on whisky and what Mr. MacLean says, goes. 
,

Founder's Reserve: Single Barrel, Cask Strength

Founder’s Reserve EG HH10 is our first ever cask-strength, single barrel, American single malt whiskey. It is special, rare and, in our opinion, very, very good.
,

Contactless Curbside Pick Up at Total Wine Stores, Washington

Total Wine has added Wanderback Batch No. 2 American single malt whiskey to their online store with in-store or curbside, contactless pick up.
,

Review our American Single Malt Whiskey on TotalWine.com

Total Wine has added Wanderback Batch No. 2 American single malt whiskey to their online store. Can you leave a review for us?

The Science of Barrel Aging Whiskey

Did you know up to 70% of the final flavors and fragrances found in whiskey are formed within the relationship between the new make spirit and the wood. Her'es an easily digestible read on this tremendously multivarite process on the science of barrel aging whiskey.
, ,

Drink Like a Girl PB&J Manhattan Whiskey Cocktail

We celebrated International Women's Day with meeting new friends and testing out a new Wanderback PB&J Manhattan Whiskey Cocktail.
,

Pacific Northwest Adventure Bucket List

Have whiskey will travel! Here's our 2020 pacific northwest adventure bucket list. It lists the places we aspire to enjoy a glass of our limited edition American single malt whiskey this year.

Port Finish American Single Malt Whiskey

Batch No. 3 is our most refined release to date. Aged 5 years and finished in port wine casks, it’s a late night, fireside sipper and makes for an elegant whiskey cocktail. Here’s the story of Batch No. 3’s journey from grain to glass.

The Wanderback Winter Manhattan Whiskey Cocktail

The Wanderback Holiday Manhattan cocktail is perfect for the cooler season. Rich yet surprisingly light and incredibly delicious, this American single malt cocktail – showcasing Batch No.3 and seasonal notes of walnut and apple - is perfect for any party this holiday.
Moto Trip Goes AwryWanderback Whiskey Co

Moto Trip Goes Awry; Whiskey (Kinda) Saves the Day

Fall is the best time for adventures in the PNW, in my opinion, at least. Every year  around this time, I get together with a group of friends for a moto trip. Our plan this fall was to ride sections of the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route. As is often the case, our plans changed. Here’s where it gets interesting. . .
Limited Edition American Single Malt WhiskeyWanderback Whiskey Co.

Thanksgiving + Whiskey; How to Pair Your Meal

The holiday season is a time of year we always look forward to and with Thanksgiving fast approaching, we found ourselves thinking about our menu and subsequently, how to pair our whiskeys with the fare.
Limited Edition American Single Malt WhiskeyWanderback Whiskey Co.
,

Find Batch No. 3 in Oregon Liquor Stores

You can check current stock of Batch No. 3 using the Oregon Liquor Finder, and typing in the code for Batch No. 3: 6372B. At time of posting, these stores had inventory. Bottles are moving fast so we suggest you call ahead.

2 Surprising Summertime Whiskey Cocktails

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: we believe whiskey is best enjoyed neat. Simple. Elegant. No fuss. But! That doesn’t mean that good whiskey cocktails are banned from our list. A classic Old Fashioned is never a bad place to start, as this is often our go-to.

Whiskey Proofing Strategies: Slowing Things Down For Batch No. 3

In 2019 for Batch No. 3, we are switching to SLOW DILUTION. Instead of diluting the cask proof whiskey just prior to blending, we will be diluting it down in the barrel 1-2 proof a month. It will be fully diluted, from 120 proof to bottle proof, right on time for bottling this Fall and and are excited to note its impact in the final taste.

Ditch the S'mores. Grab the Whiskey.

Whether it’s packing for an adventure in the woods or a casual evening at the Farm with friends, we consistently find ourselves reaching for a bottle of Batch No. 1. There’s a warmth to our first American single malt that truly makes it the perfect sipping whiskey. And coincidence or not, the consensus is that its rich, smoky finish makes it the ultimate companion to a nice piece of dark chocolate, good company and a campfire.

Guide to Wanderback Single Malt: Which to Try First.

Newcomers to our whiskey, and American single malt in general, often ask: Which Batch of Wanderback should I try first? American Single Malt (or ASM) is a relatively new category in the world of spirits and the Pacific Northwest is just beginning to scratch the surface on the abundance it holds. At the forefront of that movement are single malt whiskey producers like Wanderback.

The Whiskey Wash: Batch No. 1 Review

Cocktail Craft: At The Heathman, Portland, OR

Honoring the Environment: Making Wanderback at The Farm

When we first purchased the Farm, we knew it was special, but the vision for Wanderback didn’t come until much later. What we did realize immediately, however, was the natural beauty of the place. Rolling hills tucked between Cascade mountains, an abundance of fresh, clean water and fertile soil added to the allure.

BATCH NO. 2: BARRELS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE

Made from the same mash recipe as Batch No. 1, Batch No. 2 rolled out a completely distinctive flavor profile. It hit the shelves at the end of September, and, wow, has the response been exciting! Check out St Jack bar manager Charlie Dorst’s reaction when he first tasted Batch No. 2

High Toast, Low Char: A Fresh Approach to Aging

Spice Up Your Summer Feast Cocktail with Some Mixology History

With a bit of mystery in its history, this somewhat elusive cocktail on paper could appear a bit conflicted, perhaps confused, when you first glance its ingredients...but we’re here to share that the Blood and Sand is an unexpected delight with its spicy and sweet profile.

Throw a Perfect Pig Roast Party

Phil, our Founder, loves to reward friends and family who help him bottle Wanderback Whiskey with his amazing pig roast, which typically feeds 40-50 hungry minds and mouths. We interviewed him as part of our new #MeetTheMaker Instagram series and learned that there’s more than one way to roast a pig...but he’s perfected the process.

The Spirit of the Bottle: Capturing the Essence of Batch No. 2

Wanderback whiskey recipes start with two things: inspiration and ingredients. How they come together on the tail end is really an adventure in itself– especially at The Farm.

Beyond the Barrel: Batch No. 1’s Magical Mash

Creativity and collaboration. Inspiration and expertise. And malted barley. Lots of malted barley. Turns out, that was a winning combination for our first release, Batch No. 1.

Batch No. 1 Wins Double Gold from the American Distillers Institute

The American Distillers Institute has awarded the coveted double gold to Batch No. 1, Wanderback Whiskey Co.'s first release.

IT'S ALL IN THE FINISH: EX-RUM CASKS FOR BATCH NO. 2

As 2017 draws to a close, we are preparing for the release of our second American Single Malt Whiskey in 2018.

Batch No. 1 is released from the barn!

After nearly three years in the barrel, Batch No. 1, our first American Single Malt Whiskey is off to the OLCC's Portland warehouse. It's been a long road to get to this point and we're excited to get the product into the hands of Oregon whiskey lovers.

The Roots of Wanderback Whiskey Co.

So how does a Canadian living and working in Seattle decide that he's going to make American Single Malt Whiskey in Hood River, OR? It all started on a family trip to Boulder, CO.

Sign up to receive the latest Wanderback news and information on new releases.

This contact form is deactivated because you refused to accept Google reCaptcha service which is necessary to validate any messages sent by the form.
info@wanderback.com
(503) 305 9261

Sign up to receive the latest Wanderback news and information on new releases.

This contact form is deactivated because you refused to accept Google reCaptcha service which is necessary to validate any messages sent by the form.

Follow Us

Contact Us

info@wanderback.com

(503) 305 9261

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Accept settingsHide notification onlySettings