Applewood Smoked Bourbon, the first bourbon produced by Bellewood Farms & Distillery of Lynden, will make its debut April 21 at a Bourbon Launch Happy Hour.
“Crafted with corn and grains from the fertile farmland of Skagit Valley, our Applewood Smoked Bourbon is smoked using the aromatic applewood from Bellewood’s premiere orchards,” said Eric Abel, president of Bellewood Farms & Distillery. “We aged it two years in virgin American oak barrels, then bottled it by hand in Lynden to create a smooth whiskey with notes of caramel and vanilla.”
Another local connection is Stemma Brewing of Bellingham, which partnered with Bellewood Farms & Distillery on the creation of the mash prior to distilling. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be made with more than 50% corn and aged at least two years in a new virgin, American-made oak barrel, Abel said. Stemma Brewing beer will be available during the launch event.
The Bourbon Launch Happy Hour will be presented from 4-7 p.m. April 21 at Bellewood Farms & Distillery, 6140 Guide Meridian, just seven miles from Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden. Attendees 21 and older may try the new bourbon in the tasting room while enjoying complimentary pulled pork sliders, loaded tots and other goodies.
For interviews with Eric Abel about perhaps the first legally distilled whiskey in Whatcom County and/or a tour of the distillery, call Abel at (818) 633-2465.
