VA Distillery Co Chardonnay Cask Finished-Batch 3 NOSE: Leather, Oak, Apple/Pear, Raisin, Light Vanilla, Fresh Cream, Floral, and Lemon Zest. There is a hint of that Dry White Wine sourness right at the end. I really like it. NEAT: The Chardonnay influence is front and center. The first sip almost tastes wine infused. Has an almost carbonated effervescent quality. A good bit of heat/spice blooms on the tongue almost immediately. It's fairly oily and coating. Malty Sweetness, Tart White Muscadine Grapes, Oak, Light Vanilla, Spicy Ginger all come through once the burst of heat recedes. That illusion of carbonation continues on the finish. It's almost like you took a pull out of a bottle of spicy craft ginger ale. That tingly, spicy, slightly sour taste coats the palate and clings like glue. SPLASH: Vanilla immediately becomes prominent on the nose. Delays and reduces the intensity of the initial burst of spice and heat. That effervescent quality is reduced, but still very much in charge. Now more like Mineral Water than Ginger Ale. The Oak is a little sweeter. VERDICT: I'm not sure how I feel about this one? My feelings changed from sip to sip. It's definitely different. The year spent in Chardonnay Casks definitely had more effect on it than I thought it would. The nose is phenomenal. I think where I struggle with this one is I really love whiskey. I really love red wine. White wine? Never been a fan. It is a unique experience and I definitely will enjoy it when I'm in the mood for something different. In my 3 pack sampler, this is definitely in third place well behind the Cider and Port Finished versions.