High West "The California Cask Collection" Chardonnay Barrel Finish Bourbon Whiskey
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.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
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.
