SAVAGE & COOKE
THE BURNING CHAIR BOURBON WHISKEY 750ML
MARE ISLAND • CALIFORNIA • UNITED STATES • CRAFT BOURBON REFINED IN WINE BARRELS
"A masterpiece of artisanal distillation. Strictly dry in sugar profile yet enveloping and sumptuous, it stands out for its intense bouquet of toasted caramel, vanilla bean, smoky spices, and an exceptional finish in Californian Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barrels."
Oenological Mastery Applied to Distilled Spirits, Signature Aging, and Dave Phinney's Vision
Savage & Cooke's The Burning Chair Bourbon Whiskey 750ml represents the pinnacle of contemporary American artisanal distillation. Crafted by visionary winemaker Dave Phinney at the historic Savage & Cooke distillery —located on the legendary Mare Island in Vallejo, California—, this spirit is made from a selected blend of corn, rye, and malted barley bourbons aged in new charred American oak barrels. On the palate, it presents itself as a strictly dry spirit (free of artificial sweeteners), whose extraordinary roundness and tertiary notes come from a unique finish in hand-selected Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barrels. The result is a robust, bold, immensely complex Bourbon with an aristocratic smoothness that redefines the premium category of American whiskies.
1. Technical Details
Producer / Distillery: Savage & Cooke (Created by Dave Phinney).
Region of Origin: Mare Island, Vallejo, California, United States.
Type of Spirit: Signature Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Mash Bill Composition: Corn, Rye, and Malted Barley.
Flavor Classification: Dry (Complex, full-bodied, silky texture, noble spice, and enveloping warmth, no residual sugars).
Aging and Finish: Aged for a minimum of 4 years in new charred American oak barrels, with an exclusive subsequent "finishing" in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barrels belonging to Dave Phinney's private reserves. Diluted with pure spring water from Alexander Valley.
Alcohol Content: 44% Vol. (88 Proof).
Presentation: Iconic design heavy glass bottle with black silkscreen print, 750 ml.
Serving Suggestion: Neat at room temperature (18°C - 20°C), in an Old Fashioned glass with a crystalline ice sphere, or a few drops of pure water to open its essential oils and oak notes.
SKU / MPN: US-SAVAGE-BURNINGCHAIR-750
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Presents a dazzling intense coppery amber color with vivid mahogany and fiery golden highlights. Significant legs and refined density when swirled in the glass.
Nose: Profoundly seductive and complex. Unfolds opulent layers of burnt caramel, toffee, toasted butter, and Madagascar vanilla, intertwined with notes of ripe dark fruits (figs, candied cranberries), bitter orange peel, clove, black pepper, and a subtle background of toasted oak and cedar.
Palate: Firm, warm, and strictly dry on entry. Fills the mouth with a surprising unctuousness where the warmth of corn and the spice of rye beautifully merge with the soft tannins provided by the Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. Its finish is very long, elegant, rich in baking spices, bitter cocoa, and notes of toasted nuts.
3. Spirit Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
Gourmet Pairing and Signature Cocktails: Thanks to its dry profile, 88 proof, and complex notes of vanilla, caramel, and wine oak, The Burning Chair is a sublime accompaniment to high-end gastronomy. It majestically pairs with premium cuts of meat with abundant marbling (such as Wagyu or aged Ribeye), pork ribs glazed in house barbecue sauce, Peking duck, and intense aged cheeses (aged Gouda, artisan Cheddar, or blue cheese). On the sweet side, it combines incredibly with 70% dark chocolates, pecan pies, and medium to full-bodied cigars. It also elevates classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Boulevardier to memorable levels.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: A cult Bourbon ideal for toasting at momentous occasions, anniversaries, significant birthdays, and achievements.
- Business (VIP Deal Closures): Its imposing presence, distinctive design bottle, and the backing of Savage & Cooke project supreme distinction and sophistication in executive meetings.
- The Perfect Gift: A coveted collector's item for American whiskey enthusiasts, gourmets, and collectors who appreciate spirits with wine barrel finishes.
- Romantic Dinner: The perfect digestif to conclude an unforgettable candlelit evening, enjoyed slowly with a signature dessert or an intimate conversation.
- Family Meal (Grand Gala): A liquid luxury to share at solemn after-dinner gatherings and festive family reunions.
- Summer (Premium Sunsets and Nights): Served over an ice sphere on a terrace or exclusive lounge at nightfall, offering a refreshing and sophisticated drink.
- Gourmet BBQ: The ideal ally for high-level grilling. Its tannic and spicy power enhances the richness of smoked meats, skewers, gourmet choripanes, and grilled cuts.
frequently asked questions (faqs)
What is the specific origin and distillery of this spirit?
This exquisite Bourbon Whiskey is crafted by the prestigious artisanal distillery Savage & Cooke, founded by the renowned winemaker Dave Phinney. Its specific origin is Mare Island, a historic peninsula located in Vallejo, within the state of California, United States.
Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
As a Straight Bourbon spirit, The Burning Chair has a strictly dry profile. It contains no added sugars or artificial caramel; its subtle sweet perception of vanilla and toffee comes exclusively from the natural caramelization of American oak wood and its refinement in Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels.
What makes the wine barrel finishing process of this Bourbon so special?
Unlike traditional bourbons, Dave Phinney uses his vast enological expertise to age this whiskey in previously selected Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barrels from his vineyards in Napa Valley. This gives it a unique aromatic dimension, a silkier texture, and complex notes of ripe fruit not found in other conventional bourbons.
How is The Burning Chair recommended to be tasted to appreciate its full potential?
It is recommended to first enjoy it neat in a tasting glass or Old Fashioned glass at room temperature to appreciate its complex nose. Afterwards, a large ice cube or a couple of drops of pure water can be added to open up the aromas of spices, oak, and vanilla without excessively diluting its 44% Alc. Vol. body.