Redwood Empire 8 Year Old Haystack Needle Single Barrel Bourbon 120 PF

Ascend to new heights of flavor with **Redwood Empire 8 Year Old "Haystack Needle" Single Barrel Bourbon (Barrel #2285)**. Named after the towering redwoods of Northern California, this single barrel release is a testament to the patience and precision of Sonoma County distilling. Aged for an impressive **8 years and 7 months** in Level 3 charred American White Oak, this bourbon captures the cool, foggy climate of the region, resulting in a spirit of remarkable depth and balance.

Bottled at a robust **120 Proof (60% ABV)**, Barrel #2285 showcases Redwood Empire's complex **four-grain mash bill**: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 5% Wheat, and 5% Malted Barley. This unique recipe brings together the best of all worlds—the sweetness of corn, the spicy backbone of rye, and the creamy, soft texture of wheat. It is a rare, grain-to-glass expression that offers a distinct alternative to traditional Kentucky bourbons.

Key Features

• Producer: Redwood Empire Distilling (Sonoma, CA)
• Edition: Haystack Needle Single Barrel (Barrel #2285)
• Age: 8 Years, 7 Months
• Proof: 120 (60% ABV)
• Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 5% Wheat, 5% Malted Barley
• Cooperage: 53-Gallon American White Oak, Char Level 3

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and pastry-forward. Aromas of warm cornbread and vanilla icing mix with toasted oak and a hint of cherry preserve.
• Palate: Bold and viscous. The 120 proof delivers a powerful wave of salted caramel, cinnamon stick, and roasted nuts, softened by the creamy wheat influence.
• Finish: Long, dry, and warming. Lingering notes of leather, black pepper, and dark chocolate fade slowly into a sweet oak resonance.

Why Choose Barrel #2285?

• Four-Grain Complexity: The addition of wheat to the traditional bourbon mash bill creates a "symphony" of flavor, adding a velvety mouthfeel that tames the high proof.
• Perfectly Aged: At nearly 9 years old, this barrel has extracted the maximum amount of vanillins and sugars from the Level 3 char without becoming over-oaked.
• Cask Strength Intensity: Bottled at a straight 120 proof, it offers the raw power and texture that enthusiasts crave, perfect for sipping with a single large ice cube.