Portland, Oregon’s Eastside Distilling recently launched its first-ever Maraschino Cherry Whiskey, made with their whiskey blend and Italy’s Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur.
This is the second flavored whiskey in Eastside’s lineup, following the release of its Marionberry Whiskey in the fall of 2021.
Luxardo cherry liqueur is described as the original Maraschino, made from sour Marasca cherries for 200 years by the Luxardo family.
It’s distilled using the cherries’ skins, pits, leaves, and stems, giving it what’s described as a unique nutty flavor. Luxardo’s Marasca cherries are harvested at peak season during the summer, which distillers find produces an aromatic, sweet-tart liqueur.
“Combining Old World liqueur with select casks of New World American whiskey creates a unique and approachable product that’s the perfect addition to any bar, and is sure to entice consumers new to the world of whiskey,” said Jason Ericson, Eastside’s head distiller, in a prepared statement. “This unique fruited whiskey is guaranteed to transport the senses to the Italian Riviera.”

The distiller’s notes show that Eastside Cherry Whiskey has a bright, distinct aroma of cherry mixed with whiskey notes of dry fig and oak tannins. It tastes of cherry fruit, vanilla, and pie crust, with hints of citrus.