September here in Oregon, where we are headquartered, brings the yearly major rodeo event known as the Pendleton Round-Up. Associated with this is the popular Canadian imported whisky known as Pendleton Whisky, handled by Hood River Distillers. For this year’s Round-Up they look to have a little extra something to offer fans, courtesy of a limited edition 20-year-old expression known as Directors’ Reserve.
The distillery puts out Pendleton Directors’ Reserve just once in a rare while. As far as we can tell, the last release was in 2010. The current version, as mentioned above, is a two decades old Canadian whisky imported by Hood River and cut with “glacier-fed spring water” from Mt. Hood, which is Oregon’s highest peak. It has been bottled at a mild 80 proof, making it a good sipping spirit.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
As for pricing and availability, it is widely available here in Oregon already for around $125. It is starting to surface in other markets as well. One thing particularly neat about this is that the bottles are each “wrapped in a leather sleeve with tooling crafted by third-generation saddle maker Randy Severe, whose family has made custom saddles for nearly 70 years.” It also comes in a nice box.
“We’re excited to introduce Pendleton Directors’ Reserve Whisky as an ultra-premium product to the Pendleton Whisky family,” said Tia Bledsoe, Senior Brand Manager, Hood River Distillers, in a prepared statement provided to us. “We are proud of our rich Pendleton Whisky portfolio, and know that the new addition of Pendleton Directors’ Reserve serves as a premium enhancement to this already-exceptional class of Pendleton Whiskies.”
Official tasting notes for the Pendelton Directors’ Reserve, which was aged in American oak, are below for your consideration from the distillery.
- Color: The color mimics burnt orange, caramel, toasted almond, and the sun at dusk.
- Nose: Toasted coconut, freshly grated cinnamon, warm oak, vanilla, and orange zest all combine gracefully to form a balanced and refined aroma.
- Palette: A full-bodied and satiating finish with a lingering smolder of spices, pecans and walnuts.
- Finish: A long, mature and smooth finish.
Latest On The Whiskey Wash
