Virginia Whiskey Chardonnay Cask

Overview
Virginia Distillery Co.'s Chardonnay Finished Virginia Highland Malt Whisky blends Scottish Highland single malt with Virginia-distilled spirit from 100% malted barley, finished in local Chardonnay casks to introduce subtle wine influences to a youthful base.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Produced by Virginia Distillery Co., this expression ages a blend of imported Scottish Highland single malt and locally distilled malted barley whiskey in standard barrels before a 12-month finish in Chardonnay casks from Virginia wineries such as Grace Estate Winery, Michael Shaps, Virginia Wineworks, and Paradise Springs Winery.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Grainy with toasty wood, heavy alcohol, slightly green, and musty undertones.
• Palate: Youthful and brash with green apple, granary notes, dry hay, toasted wheat, and barnyardy animal feed character.
• Finish: Brief and hot with alcohol heat; water reveals pastoral notes.

Notable details

• Production: Blend aged in standard barrels, then finished ~12 months in local Chardonnay casks; non-chill filtered status not specified.
• Lineage: From Virginia Distillery Co., pioneering Virginia whisky with imported malt blends.
• Availability: Offered directly via vadistillery.com.

"The Chardonnay cask finishing adds minor interest to a youthful base spirit that remains dominated by brash granary notes." – Drinkhacker

Closing
A straightforward, grain-forward explorer of Virginia's emerging whisky scene with wine cask nuance.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: Virginia Distillery Chardonnay Finished Virginia Highland Malt Whisky"

[2] Drinkhacker – "Review: Virginia Distillery Chardonnay Finished Virginia Highland Malt Whisky"

[3] Drinkhacker – "Review: Virginia Distillery Chardonnay Finished Virginia Highland Malt Whisky"

[4] Drinkhacker – "Review: Virginia Distillery Chardonnay Finished Virginia Highland Malt Whisky"