Pendleton is a smooth, easy drinking blended Canadian whisky and one of the most recognizable Western themed spirits in America, affectionately known as The Cowboy Whisky. Created in 2003 by Hood River Distillers, Oregon's oldest distillery and bottler, founded in 1934, it was named in honor of the famous Pendleton Round-Up, a storied rodeo held in Pendleton, Oregon since 1910, and the bottle's bucking horse and Let'er Buck motto pay tribute to the men and women of the bronc riding world. What makes Pendleton distinctive is its dual origin: the whisky is distilled and aged in Canada, where blenders enjoy great flexibility to build a smooth, grain forward spirit, then brought to Hood River, Oregon, where it is blended with glacier fed spring water from snow capped Mt. Hood, the state's tallest peak, before bottling. That soft, naturally filtered mountain water is central to the brand's signature smoothness. Bottled at an approachable 80 proof, Pendleton is built for effortless sipping and mixing, aiming for mellow sweetness rather than bold intensity. Expect a soft, inviting nose of vanilla, honey, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon and mint, a smooth, lightly sweet palate of vanilla, honey, pecan, and gentle baking spice, and a clean, easy finish. Versatile and crowd pleasing, it is excellent neat, on the rocks, or mixed into everything from a simple ginger ale highball to a Western style cocktail. With its rodeo heritage and signature smoothness, Pendleton is a genuine good time in a glass and a natural fit for any gathering.
ABV / Proof
| Producer |
Hood River Distillers, Hood River, Oregon |
| Category |
Blended Canadian Whisky |
| Expression |
Pendleton Original |
| Production |
Distilled and aged in Canada; blended with Mt. Hood glacier fed spring water and bottled in Oregon |
| Age |
No Age Statement (Canadian whisky aged minimum 3 years) |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Canada (bottled in USA) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light amber.
Nose: Vanilla, honey, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon and mint.
Palate: Smooth and lightly sweet, with vanilla, honey, pecan, and gentle baking spice.
Finish: Clean and easy, with soft vanilla sweetness.
FAQ
Is Pendleton a Canadian whisky or an American one? It is classified as a blended Canadian whisky because the base spirit is distilled and aged in Canada. It is then blended with Mt. Hood spring water and bottled by Hood River Distillers in Oregon.
Why is it called Pendleton? It is named for the Pendleton Round-Up, a famous rodeo held in Pendleton, Oregon since 1910. The brand is closely tied to the professional rodeo world and is nicknamed The Cowboy Whisky.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent ABV.
What makes it smooth? A flexible Canadian whisky blend combined with soft, glacier fed spring water from Mt. Hood gives Pendleton its signature easy drinking smoothness.
How should I drink it? It is versatile and very approachable, great neat, on the rocks, or in highballs and cocktails.
Where can I buy Pendleton online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
