Dry Fly Straight Wheat Whiskey Port Barrel Finish is a soft, fruit-forward wheat whiskey finished in port wine barrels. With three years in new American oak followed by 9-12 months in freshly dumped port barrels, this 90 proof (45% ABV) release brings together gentle wheat sweetness, rich red-fruit tones, and a lusciously smooth finish. Its ideal for sipping neat, making elevated cocktails, or exploring the intersection of whiskey and wine barrel influence.

Key Specs & Origins

Spec Detail Brand / Producer Dry Fly Distilling (Spokane, Washington, USA) Type / Style Straight wheat whiskey, finished in port barrels Grain Bill 100% wheat Aging / Finish Aged ~3 years in new American oak barrels; then finished 9-12 months in freshly dumped port wine barrels ABV / Proof 45% ABV (90 proof) Size 750 ml bottle Awards Wine Enthusiast 2020 94 points; Tasting Panel Magazine 2020 94 points

Tasting Profile

Element Notes Appearance / Color Copper-amber hue, with a vibrant richness from the port barrel influence. Nose / Aroma Sweet wheat and vanilla base; pronounced port barrel notes: dark cherries, fig, maybe berry jam; caramel; oak spice and toasted nuts showing with some airtime. Palate / Taste Plush & full-bodied: toffee / caramel, fruit (cherries, plums, maybe blackberry), toasted almonds, mild chocolate or cocoa, balanced by oak spice and gentle wheat warmth. Finish Long and elegant: lingering red fruit and caramel sweetness, with oak tannins and a bit of spice (maybe cinnamon or pepper) as it fades.

What Makes It Special

• The port wine barrel finish adds layers of red fruit, richness, and wine-derived tannin that deepen the flavor compared to a straight wheat aged only in oak.

• Using 100% wheat gives this whiskey a creamy, soft base, which balances nicely with the wine barrels fruitiness and oak spiciness.

• Respectable proof (90) strong enough to carry complexity but subtle enough that flavors arent lost. Good midpoint for sipping.

• Recognized by critics (94 points from Wine Enthusiast & Tasting Panel) as a high-quality finish whiskey.

• Excellent for those who enjoy rich wine barrel finishes and fruit-forward whiskies.

• Good balance: not overwhelmingly sweet, but definitely more approachable than very high-proof or heavily smoky whiskies.

• Versatile: works neat, with a single large ice cube, or in cocktails that benefit from fruit/wine tones (e.g. a whiskey cocktail with sweet vermouth or berries).

Suggested Serving & Pairing

• Neat / On a Single Ice Cube: This helps smooth out the alcohol and highlight port fruit & oak spice.

• Cocktail Use: Try in a Port Manhattan (substitute port-finished wheat for rye or bourbon) or a sweet Old Fashioned variation.

• Pairings: Dark chocolate desserts, berry-based tarts, almond biscotti, dried fruit (figs, dates), drizzled caramel or nutmeg-spiced sweets, and cheeses like gouda or brie.