Applewood Smoked Bourbon, the first bourbon produced by Bellewood Farms & Distillery of Lynden, will make its debut April 21 at a Bourbon Launch Happy Hour.

“Crafted with corn and grains from the fertile farmland of Skagit Valley, our Applewood Smoked Bourbon is smoked using the aromatic applewood from Bellewood’s premiere orchards,” said Eric Abel, president of Bellewood Farms & Distillery. “We aged it two years in virgin American oak barrels, then bottled it by hand in Lynden to create a smooth whiskey with notes of caramel and vanilla.”

Another local connection is Stemma Brewing of Bellingham, which partnered with Bellewood Farms & Distillery on the creation of the mash prior to distilling. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be made with more than 50% corn and aged at least two years in a new virgin, American-made oak barrel, Abel said. Stemma Brewing beer will be available during the launch event.

The Bourbon Launch Happy Hour will be presented from 4-7 p.m. April 21 at Bellewood Farms & Distillery, 6140 Guide Meridian, just seven miles from Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden. Attendees 21 and older may try the new bourbon in the tasting room while enjoying complimentary pulled pork sliders, loaded tots and other goodies.

Bellewood Farms & Distillery is the first “farm-to-bottle” apple distillery in Washington state and the first distillery in Whatcom County. Head Distiller Chris Baetz creates gold medal-winning spirits from Bellewood’s multiple orchards in Lynden and Ferndale.

Bellewood offers reserve Aged Apple Brandy, Gin, Raspberry Vodka, Honeycrisp Vodka, Cinnamon-Aged Vodka, Pumpkin Spice Liqueur and specialty liqueurs. Its spirits are distributed to local stores, bars and restaurants and sold in its own tasting room on the farm. For more information, call (360) 318-7720 or visit www.bellewoodfarms.com.