Redwood Empire 12 Year Haystack Needle Double Barrel Port Cask Finish

I was quite reluctant to buy this bottle. There was minimal information available, but after following the Bourbon Junkies, I decided to take a chance, and I'm very glad I did. I appreciate finished whiskeys, but the only bourbon I'd previously tried with a port finish was the standard Angel's Envy, which was just okay. This is a 13.5-year MGP, not just 12, with a 3-month port finish. It features a cool sticker called "Dramtalaty," a play on Mortal Kombat, even showing a picture of Scorpion. The first time I tasted this, I conducted a blind head-to-head comparison with Angel's Envy Port Finish, Haystack Port Finish, and Angel's Envy Cask Strength. I intend to repeat this to confirm the findings. Haystack was also a neck pour during that tasting. In terms of nose, the Angel's Envy Cask Strength surprisingly placed third, followed by Angel's Envy, and then Haystack. On the palate and finish, Angel's Envy was third, followed by Angel's Envy Cask Strength, and then Haystack. This offered a preliminary indication that it outperformed a bottle costing $250-$299. This tasting was a second pour a week later, and it's even better than the neck pour. GC, 15 minutes. Nose (5/5): So dense, thick, and sweet. Definitely that port brandy-like sweetness. Abundant milk and dark chocolate. As I swirled the glass, I detected ripe warm plums, pears, a hint of lemon zest, wildflowers, fire-roasted marshmallow cherries, and even the fizz of Coca-Cola, among many other notes I couldn't identify. Palate (4.5/5): A burst of sweetness coats the entire mouth, creating a wonderful texture. I detected some rye spice tingling my tongue. What truly stood out was its creaminess. Cherries and cola. It reminds me of Stagg Batch 12. Amazing flavor, definitely above average, though not exceptionally complex. The flavors are bold, however. Finish (4.75/5): So good, I wish it lasted longer. It has a medium-long finish. Chocolate. Sweet oak, not the bitter kind. Vanilla extract. A honey maple sensation throughout. Final thoughts: I definitely recommend it. The Cabernet finish is noticeable, I'm picking that up 100%. At 110 proof, I can't believe how easy it is to nose and drink. I'm concerned I'll finish the bottle too quickly.

Neat. Sample. Recently, I've been spoiled by finished MGP products. The aroma is fantastic. The MGP is prominent, with the port subtly present. Butterscotch, graham cracker crust, vanilla frosting. Then it becomes very jammy. Blackberry preserves. It's truly delightful. It's bold and oily. An immediate flavor explosion. Wow. A blackberry preserve uppercut. Oh man. This is the opposite of the aroma. The port finish is overwhelmingly dominant. Amazing. The MGP reappears in the finish and legs, leaving a pleasant butterscotch note. A complete reversal from the aroma. Another superb example of finished MGP. It appears that 12-year-old MGP is a particularly good age for these excellent finishes. Delicious!

Needed a dram after a disappointing port-finished whiskey to reaffirm that port finishes can be good. For a port-finished American whiskey, this ranks highly for me, possibly even surpassing MGP MWND.

This was outstanding! We enjoyed it during a collaboration with the Celtic Ray Irish Pub in Punta Gorda, FL.

A distinct flavor emerges at the conclusion on the rear of the palate.

Deep dark fruits, oak, leather, and cherry cola notes detected.