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

Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Single Barrel #2883 is a compelling high-proof bourbon that delivers rich, layered flavor and compelling depth. At 120.4 proof, this eight-year-old expression showcases concentrated oak character, lush sweetness, and vibrant spice — all distilled from a single cask with Char 3 barrel influence — making it an exciting choice for both serious bourbon enthusiasts and seasoned sipters.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This Single Barrel expression comes from Redwood Empire Distillery in California’s North Coast region, a craft producer known for strong flavor personalities and meticulous barrel selection. Haystack Needle bourbon is built from a traditional mash bill rooted in Kentucky-style bourbon heritage, emphasizing corn sweetness alongside supporting grains that contribute spice and structure.

Barrel program details include:

• Single Barrel Selection: Each bottle represents the unique profile of an individual barrel — in this case, barrel #2883 — allowing distinctive aromatic and flavor traits to shine without blending dilution.

• 8 Years in Barrel: Extended maturation allows deep interaction between spirit and wood, concentrating flavors and enhancing texture.

• Char Level 3: This middle-range char promotes robust caramelization of the wood sugars and a balanced extraction of oak tannins, creating a harmonious interplay of sweetness, spice, and structure.

• High Bottling Proof: At 120.4 proof (60.2% ABV), this release maintains bold aromatic intensity and gripping palate presence without softness.

• "Grain to Glass"

Together these elements reflect Redwood Empire’s philosophy of letting proven barrels express their fullest character, resulting in a bourbon that’s powerful yet cohesive.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published formal professional critic scores from major spirits publications for this specific Single Barrel release. In craft-whiskey circles and retailer tastings, however, this expression is noted for its rich depth, spice complexity, and remarkably balanced high-proof profile — frequently recommended among single barrel releases for enthusiasts seeking bold expression with nuanced development.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Potent and inviting, with toasted oak, rich caramel, and vanilla bean up front, underscored by dried orchard fruit, baking spice (cinnamon, clove), and subtle dark chocolate. A hint of black pepper and charred wood adds intrigue.

Palate:
Full-bodied and richly textured, unveiling brown sugar and molasses, followed by candied pecan, charred oak spice, and leather. The high proof amplifies cinnamon and black pepper heat, balanced by underlying soft caramel and roasted grain notes.

Finish:
Long and warming, with lingering oak tannins, spice, cocoa nib, and toasted vanilla, tapering to a satisfying, bold conclusion.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Haystack Old-Fashioned

• 2 oz Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Single Barrel #2883

• 0.25 oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Stir with ice; strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a flamed orange twist to accent tannin and spice.

Charred Boulevardier

• 1.5 oz Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Single Barrel #2883

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 0.75 oz Campari
  Stir with ice; strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with expressed orange peel to highlight citrus and herb complexity.

High-Proof Manhattan

• 2 oz Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Single Barrel #2883

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes orange bitters
  Stir with ice; strain into a coupe; garnish with a luxardo cherry.