🎙️ DadDimes on the Rocks — Season 5 Episode 6: “Dry Fly Bourbon: Pacific Northwest Spirit Takes on the Bourbon World”

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Today we’re casting our line into something from outside the traditional bourbon belt — Dry Fly Bourbon from Dry Fly Distilling in Spokane, Washington. This bottle is part of the craft movement bringing regional flair to classic American whiskey styles. Let’s see what the Pacific Northwest brings to the bourbon game. 🥃🎣

🏔️ Who Makes This & What It Is

Dry Fly Bourbon isn’t from Kentucky or Tennessee — it’s from Washington State, where Distillers are carving out their own identity with grain-to-glass production and unique mash bills. This expression is a straight bourbon whiskey that shows its craft provenance without pretending to be some aged century-old brand.

• Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Proof: ~101 (50.5% ABV) (varies by batch/label release)
• Mash Bill: Corn-forward (majority corn, followed by rye and malted barley)
• Distillery: Dry Fly Distilling, Spokane, WA

This is craft bourbon — approachable, balanced, and built more for drinkability than for blow-your-hair-back intensity.

👃 What You Smell (Nose)

First things first: even before you sip, the aroma sets the tone:

🍯 Caramel and vanilla: Classic bourbon markers come through right away.
🍞 Corn sweetness: A grain-heavy sweetness that’s more playful than brooding.
🌾 Light spice & oak: Gentle hints of rye spice and new oak char — noticeable, but not aggressive.

The nose is inviting rather than intimidating — a great sign for a bourbon that wants you to sip and enjoy rather than brace for impact.

👄 First Sip — Palate Profile

Once you take the initial sip, here’s what you’ll notice:

✔ Soft caramel & honey: Sweet, clean, and comfortable
✔ Toffee / brown sugar: Classic bourbon flavors presented with a craft twist
✔ Mild rye spice: Adds a tiny bit of pepper/ginger warmth without overwhelming
✔ Light oak and grain body: There’s bready depth without heavy tannins or barrel chew

This bourbon is medium-bodied and smooth — these aren’t big, brash Kentucky oak monsters. Instead, Dry Fly goes for smooth, balanced, and easy.

🔥 Finish — What Lingers

The finish is:

• Medium length, smooth, and not harsh
• A gentle trace of oak comes through
• Soft sweetness lingers (think honey graham or warm caramel)
• No aggressive alcohol burn — just a pleasant fade

You won’t get a dramatic fade-to-ember like a barrel-proof pour — but that’s intentional. This is meant to be sip-friendlyand crowd-pleasing.

🧠 How It Compares

Dry Fly Bourbon isn’t trying to knock heads like Stagg or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Instead:

• It’s smoother and more mellow than high-proof bourbon staples
• Closer in vibe to Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve — on the approachable end
• With a Pacific Northwest grain character, it’s a bit brighter and lighter than some deeper oak-driven Kentucky pours

This makes it great for everyday sipping, casual get-togethers, and cocktails that want bourbon character without heavy oak domination.

🍸 Best Ways to Enjoy Dry Fly Bourbon

Here’s how to make the most of this bottle:

🥃 Neat: Smooth and enjoyable — see those caramel and honey notes shine
🧊 On the rocks: Opens up a touch more sweetness and softens the oak
📈 Whiskey Highball: With soda and citrus for a refreshing, sessionable drink
🍊 Bourbon cocktails: Old Fashioned or Boulevardier — a gentler base that plays well with bitters

🥂 Final Thoughts

Dry Fly Bourbon is a solid piece of what makes craft whiskey interesting — a regional voice, a smooth profile, and a friendly sip that anybody can enjoy. It doesn’t aim to be the boldest bourbon on the shelf, and that’s part of its charm. Think of it as a bourbon you invite to dinner — not the guest who steals the show, but the one everyone enjoys.

If you’re curious about craft bourbon outside the Kentucky circle, this is a worthy stop on your whiskey map.

That’s our take for today’s episode of DadDimes on the Rocks. Until next time — keep your whiskey varied, your pours hearty, and your stories smooth. Cheers! 🥃