Oola Distillery
History of Oola Distillery
Oola Distillery, nestled in the vibrant Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle, Washington, represents a significant player in the burgeoning craft distilling movement in the United States. Founded by Kirby Kallas-Lewis, Oola began its journey in 2010. Kirby’s vision was to create a distillery that embraced the art of small-batch spirit production, focusing on quality and innovation.
The Founder – Kirby Kallas-Lewis
Kirby Kallas-Lewis, the founder of Oola Distillery, had a passion for fine spirits and a vision to contribute uniquely to the craft spirits industry. His background and experience in various fields, combined with a deep appreciation for artisanal spirit production, led him to establish Oola. Under his guidance, the distillery has become a well-respected name in the craft spirits world.
Community and Environmental Commitment
Oola Distillery is not only focused on producing high-quality spirits but also committed to community involvement and environmental sustainability. They engage in practices that aim to reduce their ecological footprint and actively participate in community events and collaborations.
A commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community engagement marks Oola Distillery’s history. From its inception in 2010 to its current status as a renowned craft distillery, Oola has continued to push the boundaries of spirit production, creating a legacy that resonates with spirit enthusiasts around the world.
Oola’s Whiskey Range
A standout feature of Oola Distillery is its diverse and high-quality whiskey offerings. The distillery produces several types of whiskey, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. These include:
- Oola Waitsburg Bourbon: A smooth, corn-forward bourbon with a subtle complexity.
- Oola Smoked Whiskey: Uniquely crafted using smoked grains, offering a rich and robust flavor.
- Oola Cask Strength Whiskey: A high-proof whiskey that appeals to those who prefer a more intense flavor.
Additional Spirits and Products
In addition to whiskey, Oola Distillery also produces a range of other spirits. These include:
- Vodka: A clean and crisp vodka, perfect for a variety of cocktails.
- Gin: A gin that stands out with its botanical notes, ideal for classic and modern gin-based drinks.
Awards Won by Oola Distillery
Waitsburg Barrel Finished Gin: In 2018, this gin received a Bronze Medal in the Aged Gin category from the American Distilling Institute (ADI).
Whiskey Discourse Three Shores World Whiskey: Also in 2018, this whiskey was honored with a Bronze Medal in the Non-Typical Whiskey category at the ADI, and it was recognized as the Best of Category for Certified Craft Blended Spirits.
Oola Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Oola Distillery offers a comprehensive tour of their facility located at 4755 Colorado Ave S Ste. B, Seattle, WA. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and provides an in-depth look into their production process.
Tour Details
- Duration and Content: The tour spans 60 minutes and takes visitors through the 12,000 sq. ft. production facility. It’s an opportunity to learn about the making of Oola’s whiskeys, gins, and vodkas, from the initial grain to the final glass.
- Tastings Included: Participants get to taste various world-class spirits produced by Oola, offering a sensory experience of the unique flavours and qualities of their products.
- Age Restriction: It’s important to note that the tour is available only to individuals who are 21 years of age or older.
Tour Options and Pricing
- Standard Tour: Priced at $25, this option includes the basic 60-minute guided tour along with spirit tastings.
- VIP Experience: For $45, the VIP ticket includes everything in the standard tour, plus an Oola goodie bag. This bag contains three 50ML samples of Oola’s flagship bourbon, gin, and vodka, along with an Oola hat.
Booking and Availability
- Advance Booking: Visitors are required to book their tour in advance as the facility accepts visitors by appointment only.
- Group Size Limitation: Each tour is limited to a maximum of 16 guests to ensure a more personalized and in-depth experience.
Flask & Barrel Review of Oola Distillery
As a whiskey collector who’s been on quite a few distillery tours, I’d say my visit to Oola Distillery was a solid 4.7 out of 5. Here’s why:
First off, the vibe at Oola is just fantastic. It’s got this cool, urban feel that’s a bit different from other distilleries I’ve visited. Being in the heart of Seattle, it mixes that city energy with the traditional craft of distilling, which I found really refreshing.
The tour itself was a highlight. Lasting about an hour, it struck the right balance between informative and entertaining. You get to see their 12,000 sq. ft. facility up close, which for a whiskey geek like me, was pretty awesome. They walked us through their process, from grain to glass, and I appreciated the depth of information. It wasn’t just surface-level stuff – they really dove into the details, which, as someone who’s seen a lot of distilleries, I found both informative and engaging.
Now, let’s talk whiskey (and their other spirits). The tastings were top-notch. I’ve got a pretty discerning palate at this point, and I was impressed. Their whiskey had a unique character, smooth with a complexity that I look for. The gin and vodka were also standout, not what I usually go for, but definitely high quality.
The staff were great too – knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, which always makes a tour more enjoyable. They were happy to answer all sorts of questions, and their enthusiasm for their craft was evident.
The reason I’m not going full 5/5? Well, I guess I always leave a little room for something truly out-of-this-world. That said, Oola is doing some great stuff, and for any spirit enthusiast or casual visitor, it’s definitely worth the trip.
What To Do Nearby Oola Distillery
Pike Place Market: Located about 1.5 miles from Oola Distillery, this iconic public market offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of shops, restaurants, and the famous fish market. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine of Seattle.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Approximately 2 miles away, this exhibit showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. It features a stunning garden, a glasshouse, and a series of galleries. The vibrant and intricate glass artworks are a feast for the eyes.
Space Needle: Just over 2 miles from the distillery, the Space Needle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle. It’s an iconic part of the city’s skyline and offers a unique perspective from its observation deck.
Seattle Art Museum: Around 1.3 miles away, the Seattle Art Museum is home to a diverse collection of art from around the world. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in global art and culture.
The Museum of Flight: Although a bit further away, about 8 miles from Oola Distillery, this museum offers a fascinating look at the history and future of aviation. It’s perfect for those interested in planes, spacecraft, and the science of flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Oola Distillery?
Paseo: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +12064207781. Their address is 1760 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA.
13 Coins Seattle: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +12066822513. Their address is 255 S King St, Seattle, WA.
Tai Tung Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +12066227372. Their address is 655 S King St, Seattle, WA.
What hotels are near Oola Distillery?
Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +12068594400. Their address is 255 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104, United States.
Silver Cloud Hotel – Seattle Stadium: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +12062049800. Their address is 1046 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States.
Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +12063401234. Their address is 77 Yesler Wy, Seattle, WA 98104, United States.