Amador Double Barrel Bourbon Finished in Napa Valley Wine Barrels

Have you ever received a bottle of bourbon as a present and wished people had just let you enjoy your own bourbon in peace? This is that bottle... Batch 4, case #2730. Matured in Chardonnay barrels. While others have noted different wines, this is exclusively Chardonnay. The aroma is intensely caramel with hints of raisin, milk chocolate, and Ritz crackers. The initial entry is thick with caramel and grape jam, followed by a gradual shift to a strong vegetal flavor, reminiscent of having a sinus infection. Why. This might appeal to some individuals. Unfortunately, I consider it essentially an April Fool's joke of a bourbon – a cleverly concealed trick. Never has a finish so significantly diminished a bourbon. I attempt to drink more, expecting it to dissipate, but it persists. Lovely bourbon – and then something unpleasant occurs in my mouth. I’m going to retreat and attempt to counteract this by consuming Booker's mixed with cask-strength Maker's Mark.

3.0 stars - Pleasant; 750 ml bottle Honestly, it was a truly enjoyable experience. Often, I attend gatherings out of a sense of duty. Then, I find myself in a captivating talk with an unfamiliar person. We discuss, we chuckle. Are we now inseparable? No. Did we exchange contact details? No. But, wow, that was a delightful night. Amador is that spirit. It was a birthday present. Based on the opinions I'd read, I delayed uncorking it for ages. You know what? This is a genuinely entertaining spirit. Smooth to sip, simple to appreciate.

Apple and floral aromas on the nose, with hints of caramel as well. The first sip offers good oak and toasted char flavors. A red wine finish with a moderate burn throughout. I also detect a Chardonnay profile in the finish. Full mouthfeel and a nice, long linger. Adding an ice cube nearly eliminated the burn. An excellent bourbon.

The aroma has notes of red wine with an underlying sweetness, reminiscent of plum pudding. On the palate, the body feels very light. The subtle sweet plum flavor from the nose is present, but the taste itself is delicate. It seems diluted and airy, possibly pairing well with dessert.

Presents with apple, apricot, vanilla, and oak. It's certainly light and somewhat fruity; the flavor is fleeting and clean, yet offers some spice. Not a strong ethanol presence. It's distinctive and quite good, in my opinion. An 86 proof is suitable for it, providing some warmth but remaining mostly light and agreeable. I also appreciate that the mash bill is printed on the bottle.

Nose: A Chardonnay-like aroma with vanilla and sweetness, plus mild dried apricots. A very distinctive nose. Taste: Mild spice that quickly fades, and the same goes for the bourbon character. It transitions from tasting like bourbon to tasting like wine. Overall: The finish is disliked. It doesn't resemble bourbon.