High West "The California Cask Collection" Chardonnay Barrel Finish Bourbon Whiskey

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Description

This limited release bourbon from High West’s Cask Collection blends straight bourbons aged 4–9 years, then finishes them in Chardonnay wine barrels. At 100 proof (50% ABV), it delivers a rich, fruit-accented bourbon with creamy texture, orchard fruit, and wine-barrel elegance, marrying classic bourbon notes (vanilla, oak, caramel) with wine-derived elements (white grapes, apricot, peach) for a sophisticated, “bourbon + wine” hybrid that sippers will appreciate. Key Specs & Origins Feature Detail Brand / Series High West — “Cask Collection” line Type Finished Bourbon Whiskey (straight bourbons after aging, followed by Chardonnay barrel finish) Aged Blend of bourbons aged 4-9 years in the base barrels. The Chardonnay finish duration is around 11 months in Chardonnay barrels per some retailer descriptions.  Proof / ABV 100 proof (50% ABV)  Region / Origin United States — made by High West Distillery (Utah) Batch / Edition Part of the limited “Cask Collection" Tasting Profile Sense Notes Nose / Aroma Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak; undertones of orchard fruits (peach, apricot), white grapes; perhaps a hint of sweetness from the Chardonnay cask (fruit, buttery oak)  Palate / Taste Deep and velvety; honey, apricot, peach; classic bourbon backbone (oak spice, vanilla); the Chardonnay barrel adds fruit-wine notes and a subtle floral/spice tone; smooth texture with richness  Finish Warm, lingering; citrus suggestions; sweetness tapering into oak and vanilla; some drinkers report a creamy or buttery tail consistent with wine barrel finishing  What Makes It Special Wine Barrel Finish: Using Chardonnay barrels offers fruit & wine influence (peach/apricot, white grape, buttery oak) that you don’t often find in straight bourbon. It gives extra layers of flavor and aroma. 100 Proof Strength: The proof is high enough to let flavours stand out, even after finishing, yet not so high as to be overwhelming. Age & Blend: The core bourbons are aged enough (4-9 years) to have developed decent oak & maturity, then finished — striking a compromise between youth and depth. Innovation & Balance: It’s an example of High West’s experimental/“finished bourbon” program — appealing for drinkers who like traditional bourbon but also enjoy wine‐influenced or finishing techniques. Excellent for sipping neat — the fruit, oak, and vanilla are well integrated. Works well in cocktails where bourbon richness plus wine or fruit notes add dimension (e.g. a Modified Old Fashioned or even a Bourbon Sour with white-grape or peach twist). The finish in Chardonnay barrels makes it more approachable for people who enjoy wine as well as whiskey. Suggested Uses & Pairings Neat or with large ice — let it rest to express wine barrel aromas. Cocktails: Try swapping it into a bourbon-based cocktail and garnish with fruit that echoes the Chardonnay finish (peach, pear, grape). Pairings: Creamy cheeses (Brie, Camembert), roasted white meats (chicken, pork) with fruit sauces, stone fruit desserts (peach tart, apricot galette), even vanilla custard.

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