Redwood Empire 12 Year Haystack Needle Double Barrel Chardonnay Cask Finish

Neat. First pour. So eager to try this. A relative got this for me from far away, as I've not seen a pick from this brand in my area. It's 12 year MGP, with 21% rye, then finished in Chardonnay barrels for three to four months. This bottle is from Westmoreland Liquor. The aroma, right away, is amazing. The Chardonnay complements the 12 year MGP wonderfully. Fresh berries on the nose. Blueberries. Coated in a maple, cinnamon glaze with a buttery graham cracker crust. Toffee and butterscotch sweetness are balanced by a pleasant oak presence. A touch of leather and dark cherry. Simply outstanding. Feel on the palate is ideal. Smooth. Cinnamon and cherry are prominent on the tongue immediately. Vanilla is there too. This delivers an immediate flavor impact. It shifts to familiar MGP notes in the middle. Butterscotch, graham cracker. It truly shines in the finish. This is where the finishing enhances this drink. The finish truly offers a distinct burst of Chardonnay that is perfectly in harmony with the oak and MGP flavors. The Chardonnay is dry and really brightens the profile, but then the oak and the MGP sweetness all hit you at once, creating a fusion of flavors. What a delight! This competes directly with my preferred finished MGP bourbons from Joseph Magnus or Bardstown. It's fantastic.

Vanilla and red apples with grapes. Very light. Evokes springtime.

Alright, but didn't impress me much compared to a solid bourbon.