Westward Chardonnay Cask

This is a review for both the Chardonnay cask finished whiskey that a specific retailer selected in 2022 and the one that shipped directly from the distillery as part of their quarterly release club: both are excellent examples of a distillery's exciting barrel finishing program. The Chardonnay casks contributed their typical bright white-fleshed fruit flavors like grape and pear to the robust single malt base I consistently enjoy. I'm always pleased when I find a product like this single malt that can handle aggressive finishes while retaining its identity as a spirit. Enjoying something familiar and new simultaneously is a worthwhile pursuit in the whiskey world. The retailer's selection slightly outperformed the distillery release, being just a touch bolder and more delicious, as would be expected from the higher proof (around 120 compared to 90).

The taste brings to mind green apples and green grapes. The finish is distinctly westward, with notes of honey and a touch of zing!