River Roots Chardonnay Finished Wheated Bourbon

We've had some enjoyable and unique single barrels from Cleveland-based River Roots Barrel Company over the years, but today's release may be the most unique of them all.

River Roots Barrel Company has a pretty simple approach: find interesting barrels and bottle the ones worth drinking. They’ve become one of the more popular independent bottlers over the last few years, with releases all over the map, from mature Kentucky bourbon and high-proof American light whiskey to funky California malt and some multi-year finishes. We’ve picked several barrels with the River Roots team over the last few years, and they always seem to uncover something a little different, which is a big reason we keep coming back.

This particular pick is a nearly 9-year-old Chardonnay-finished Kentucky wheated bourbon, with a mash bill of 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% malted barley. If you like the idea of a drinkable, wine-touched wheated bourbon, this may be your ticket.

Tropical fruit cocktail juice, creamy nougat, and cane sugar move into candied almonds and buttery, sweet oak.

The palate is gentle and silky, delicately honeyed with soft, salted melon and creamy white grape fruitiness. Light vanilla, caramel, and soft spices continue through the sip.

The finish is lightly buttery, allowing more of the Chardonnay influence to show, with softer tannins, nips of spice, and a growing, gentle fruit sweetness.