Classification: Straight Wheat Whiskey

Company: Oregon Spirit Distillers

Distillery: Oregon Spirit Distillers

Release Date: Ongoing

Proof: 90

Age: 5 Years

Mashbill: 74% Wheat, 18% Rye, 8% Malted Barley

Color: Gold

MSRP: $50 / 750mL (2024)

Official Website

Jammy fruit bars | Seasoned oak | Leather | Browned butter

Blackberry | Blueberry | Vanilla custard | Thin mouthfeel

Hay | Rye spice | Baking spices | Ramp up of heat | Short

Oregon Spirit Distillers was established in 2009 by Brad and Kathy Irwin. Located in Bend, Oregon, the company is family-owned and sources 95% of their grains from Oregon farmers, with the remaining 5% sourced from Idaho and Washington. The company distills everything they bottle, producing 600 barrels of whiskey annually, which, according to the company, makes them the largest producer of bourbon and the second largest producer of American whiskey in the state of Oregon. The company produces bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey in addition to a range of other non-whiskey spirits.

Oregon Spirit Straight American Wheat Whiskey was crafted using a whopping 74% winter wheat, which likely gives the whiskey its most compelling trait. Right from the onset, the whiskey’s aroma features a highly distinct jammy fruit bar scent. This encompasses strawberries and raspberries, but more potent is its blackcurrants and blackberries notes combined with a crumbly baked rolled oat crust. Some of these scents transfer over to the palate to great effect. The whiskey’s mouthfeel, though, is on the thin side, which has the side effect of having its flavors trail quicker than expected. Compared to the rest of the sip, the finish is lacking, with rye spice and heat being its most standout traits.

This wheat whiskey is in a precarious place. It gets a whole lot right, but begins to falter halfway through. Its thin mouthfeel combined with its short, hot finish is surprising for the whiskey age, but given how spectacular its nose is, I hope they can better fine-tune the whiskey going forward.