History

OOLA Distillery was founded by Kirby Kallas-Lewis. OOLA is named after the largest German shepherd dog that has ever lived. The founder describes distilling as alchemy and says that infusions can be artistic and create something new. Kirby's background includes time as an art dealer in Paris, Brussels, New York and San Francisco, as well as a life as a breeder of dairy goats, a painter and sculptor, and work on Alaska fishing vessels and running a gallery in NYC.

Production / Manufacturing

OOLA produces its whiskeys in Washington state. The bourbon builds on a high-rye profile together with grains and wheat from Washington. It ages in 53-gallon barrels for about six to eight years and offers notes of brown sugar and maple syrup with a rounded oak finish and notes of cherry. OOLA Barrel-Finished Gin rests for 2 months and 28 days in fully empty Waitsburg bourbon barrels and uses 13 botanicals with no added sugar; the natural sweetness comes from mashes of Washington's organic winter wheat. Discourse Series includes Three Shores White Label Whiskey and Three Shores Black Label Whiskey. White Label is blended by adding two fully mature whiskeys, Highland Scotch and Canadian Whiskey, to American oak and aged for up to a year; Black Label ages an additional two years in Cabernet casks from DeLille Cellars and finishes with fruity notes and French oak.

Products / Whisky Series

• OOLA Waitsburg Bourbon
• OOLA Waitsburg Bourbon Cask Strength
• Discourse Series: Three Shores White Label Whiskey
• Discourse Series: Three Shores Black Label Whiskey

Visits / Experiences

OOLA offers Whiskey Society memberships for 2025 and 2026 with benefits such as four special whiskeys made for the club each quarter, a free tasting rack for you and three friends, early access to special releases, events and activities at each release, 15% off OOLA merch, free shipping within Washington and a complimentary distillery tour for you and six friends. Merchandise can also be picked up at the distillery. There is mention of events and club activities.

Philosophy

Distilling is like alchemy; infusions can be artistic and create something new. OOLA focuses on balance, complexity, and a long, smooth finish in their whiskies. The name OOLA and the story behind it emphasize the creative approach to distilling.