Amador Double Barrel Bourbon Chardonnay Barrel Finish

Batch: 2 Bottled: 1/2022 Case: 3687 This mash bill contains 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% barley. A child picked up a bottle of this, naturally sparking my curiosity. I tasted it over several pours on different days. It's the kind of bottle I would typically pass over, but since it's here, I might as well sample it. The aroma is faint and reserved. Floral notes, vanilla, brown sugar, and honey are present on the nose. Within the subtle floral scent, a light woody cedar incense-like aroma can be detected, reminiscent of smoke sticks. Hints of cinnamon apple linger. Even more faintly, there are notes of white grape skins and white wine. With a creamy texture, a sweetness coats the palate. Breaking it down, I taste vanilla, light brown sugar, cola, white pepper, pickled ginger, and a touch of oak tannins, which impart a delicate dry sweetness slightly balanced by a mild spiciness. The finish is woody and drying, with the lingering sweetness of vanilla and brown sugar that persists for a considerable time. This is a straightforward, easy-drinking bourbon. Despite the Chardonnay barrel finish, the wine's influence is barely perceptible. Does it affect the bourbon? Only slightly, if at all. Overall, it's a decent sipper that is enjoyable, inoffensive, and reasonably priced. [85/100][Tasted: 3/10/23]

Aroma: brown sugar, oak, nutty Taste: dry barky, oats/grains, baking spices Finish: medium My initial impression was pleasant surprise, but subsequent tastings were less impressive. The Chardonnay barrel imparts an unusual bitterness to the palate. Might revisit it later.

The nose offers little character beyond some tobacco and faint hints of Chardonnay. The flavor is unmemorable with barely any grain notes, and it concludes with a breezy bitterness. I'm not a big fan.

Syrupy strong smell, like frosting or cake. Sweet vanilla hits you hard, very creamy. Dessert in a glass. The vanilla fades into the oak and Chardonnay finish, carries that wine flavor for a while.

This is the rye that has been aged in port barrels. It's very enjoyable, with pleasant spices appearing in the middle and at the finish. If you're a rye devotee like me, you'll like this one.

I didn't anticipate tasting the Chardonnay finish, but it genuinely contributes a pleasant acidic quality. Plenty of apple notes, yet it's quite balanced.