Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Single Barrel 8 Year Old Bourbon Barrel #2883

Discover the pinnacle of West Coast craft distilling with Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Single Barrel 8 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Barrel #2883). Hailing from California’s celebrated North Coast region, this highly collectible, limited-release single cask bourbon represents the absolute finest of Redwood Empire’s maturation philosophy. Embodying a bold, "grain-to-glass" character, it is a magnificent addition to any premium spirits collection and a must-acquire bottle for serious bourbon enthusiasts.

Unblended and undiluted to preserve its raw purity, this exceptional expression has spent 8 years in a single barrel, allowing the spirit to form a deep, highly concentrated relationship with the wood. Distilled from a traditional Kentucky-style mash bill that balances rich corn sweetness with robust supporting grains, Barrel 2883 features a meticulous Char Level 3 barrel influence. This mid-range char level masterfully coaxes out the caramelized wood sugars and rich oak tannins from the American white oak staves, giving the liquid an incredible structural depth.

A Viscous, High-Proof Flavour Bomb

Bottled at a commanding 120.4 proof (60.2% ABV), the Haystack Needle Single Barrel #2883 maintains a powerful aromatic intensity and a gripping, oily mouthfeel that never feels thin. Because this is a true single barrel selection, it offers a completely unique, unrepeatable flavour profile that stands out dramatically from standard batched releases.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma / Nose: Potent, complex, and highly inviting. The bouquet opens with toasted oak wood, rich caramel, and pure vanilla bean, underscored by dried orchard fruit, dark chocolate, baking spices (cinnamon and clove), and a hint of black pepper.
• Palate / Flavour: Full-bodied and lavishly textured on the tongue. Deep waves of brown sugar and molasses give way to candied pecan, charred oak spice, roasted grain, and fine leather. The high proof beautifully amplifies the warming cinnamon and black pepper heat.
• Finish: A remarkably long, warming, and bold conclusion. It tapers off slowly with lingering oak tannins, toasted vanilla, and rich cocoa nibs.

Whether you enjoy it neat to dissect its nuanced development, pour it over a large ice cube for a premium whiskey on the rocks, or use its high-proof muscle to build an unforgettable Haystack Old-Fashioned or Manhattan, this bottle stands as a world-class luxury spirit gift and a triumph of modern California craft whiskey.