High West Cask Collection Chardonnay Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey

High West Cask Collection Chardonnay Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey is a limited Park City blend of straight bourbons aged four to nine years, then finished about eleven months in California Chardonnay barrels — long enough for white-wine oak to polish the whiskey instead of coating it. High West bottles it at 100 proof, never chill-filtered. The Chardonnay wood is what you taste as orchard fruit, butter, and a lighter tannin, so vanilla and caramel stay in front while peach and citrus lift the edges. Pour it over a large cube.

Vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak open the glass, then honey, apricot, and peach round a velvety palate. Independent pours keep finding pecan, toffee, and a creamy white-grape close. It drinks bright at 100 proof: fruit-forward bourbon with enough oak to stay grounded through the finish.