PREVIOUS BATCHES
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BATCH 025
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana
Selection of 5.5, 9, 13, and 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
113.4 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
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San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021)
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Double Gold
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-
ASCOT Awards (2020)
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Platinum
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New York International Spirits Competition (2020)
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Gold
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95 Points
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L.A. Spirits Awards (2020)
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Gold
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-
Whisky Advocate rating of 94
FLAVOR NOTES
Batch 025 highlights the unique additions that secondary grains contribute to aged bourbon. 13 to 15-year corn-forward bourbons and 5 to 9-year-old wheated bourbons were slowly layered in with a selection of 9-year-old high-rye bourbons, revealing notes from the entire spectrum of available flavors. A portrait of finely tuned blending, Batch 025 is citrusy and peppery, without losing the opulence and oaky ease of the older ingredients.
High-toned and zesty, this bourbon initially resembles a glass of fine Madeira. But a little time, a splash of water, or an ice cube will unleash its sweet pastry notes, woodsy spice, and sweet, rich palate.
Neat
Appearance: Chestnut.
Nose: Opens very high-toned and estery, on pineapple, plum, apple jelly, and honeydew melon. Some actively fermenting mash notes of corn pudding and sunflower seeds sit just below. Much of that blows off after a few minutes, revealing sweet tones of chocolate covered espresso beans, maple syrup, and stroopwafel. As it evolves it gathers woodsy mulling spices, hazelnut, leather, and mesquite smoke.
Palate: Strawberry rhubarb pie, juicy fig and sour orange make for a bright and zesty arrival. Such acidic fruits mirror the nose and couple with limestone minerality and sandy tannin to yield a vinous mouthfeel. It grows richer as you savor a mouthful, developing cappuccino, macadamia nut and leather. More herbaceous than the nose, here allspice is joined by cassia and licorice root.
Finish: A quick, mineral burst of ink, graphite, and charcoal slowly fades out on Tia Maria.
With a few drops of spring water
The nose grows more focused, resembling a great hot toddy -- honey, orange zest and clove. Ripe banana emerges, joined by a little resinous rosemary and jasmine. The palate gets much thicker as gooey caramel takes center stage. It gets more floral as well, tasting of orris root and potpourri. The finish becomes rather delicate, with coffee ice cream being joined by dried fig and chamomile.
PRESS FOR BATCH 025
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Barrell Bourbon Batch 025 was featured on Uproxx's list of The Best Bottles Of Bourbon Whiskey Between $80-$90, where BCS was called, "one of the best blenderies in the bourbon game right now."
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Associate Editor Ted Simmons includes Barrell Bourbon Batch 025 in Whisky Advocate's list of 5 High-Quality Barrel-Proof Bourbons to Try Now.
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Executive Editor Jeffery Lindenmuth of Whisky Advocate selected Barrell Bourbon Batch 025 as one of the three Standout Whiskies From Winter 2020. Lindenmuth described Batch 025 as having a palate that is "wonderfully dense with fruit, including flavors of marmalade, strawberry jam, and bright tropical fruits, woven with more spice."
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 025, saying, “Barrell has done it again.”
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The Bourbon Culture reviews Batch 025, stating "the star of the show is this Tiramisu flavor with emphasis on the espresso beans and cinnamon on top."
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Paste Magazine on Barrell Bourbon Batch 025: A bigtime crowd pleaser.
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My Bourbon Journey reviews Bourbon Batch 025 and gives tasting notes, calling this release, "a solid, very drinkable bourbon."
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Drink Hacker reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 025, saying, “lots to enjoy in this one from beginning to end,” and calling it, “another winner.”
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BATCH 024
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana
Selection of 9, 10, 13, and 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
113.9 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021)
-
Double Gold
-
-
ASCOT Awards (2021)
-
Gold
-
-
Whisky Advocate rating of 93
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 024 is a marriage of high Rye Bourbons ranging in age from 9 to 15 years old. The 9, 10, and 13-year-old barrels were chosen for their peppery assertiveness, making this "spice box" marriage wonderfully robust yet a little rough around the edges. We refined the blend by adding in citrus forward, lower proof, 15-year-old barrels bit by bit, ensuring that the rye forward base would continue to shine, while delivering a lush mouthfeel.
A gentle nose balancing blonde tobacco, pear, and coffee ice cream belies an intense palate of cola and spice. Adding water creates a decadently syrupy texture while highlighting notes of musky passionfruit and forest floor.
Neat
Appearance: Molasses fading to ochre, with a bright, brassy rim.
Nose: Opens with vernal florals: apple blossom, blonde tobacco and spruce tip. These lead naturally into estival fruits: green banana, ripe pear, lychee and cherry. Prickly autumnal mulling spices and wintergreen lend complexity, as a sweet, wintery foundation is laid by pumpkin pie and coffee ice cream.
Palate: Chocolate ganache is balanced by tart white grapefruit orange bitters, mineral slate and salt, and savory dried porcini mushrooms, with a huge breadth of flavor. It’s notably spicy, showcasing ginger, cardamom, and black pepper. Cola is present with notes of rosemary, leather, and oak. Sandy tannin and heat keep the relatively sweet palate in check.
Finish: Creamy and sweet, maple cheesecake and hefeweizen start off. While gentler than the rollercoaster of a palate, there’s still plenty of complexity provided by cherry cordial, Aperol, and clove. It fades on red pepper flake and table salt.
With a few drops of spring water
The nose gets muskier, on aromas of overripe passionfruit, marigold and propolis. The palate, too, feels wilder and more complex, tasting of sweet vermouth, soy sauce, forest floor and pipe smoke.
PRESS FOR BATCH 024
BATCH 023
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana
Selection of 10, 12, and 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
107.78 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2020)
-
93 Points
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-
Whisky Advocate rating of 92
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 023 is a blend of 10, 12 and 15-year-old barrels. We focused on a balance of richness and depth from the older barrels. The blend mingled for a couple of months to heighten the lushness and complexity. Finally, we methodically layered in 15-year-old barrels to bring out notes of tropical fruit and angelica spice. The result is an evolving bourbon with layers of flavor.
Cinnamon donuts lead into earthy notes of walnut, leather, and fallen leaves. Subtly fruity, with hints of white currant and honeydew melon peeking out over the classic rye spice of angelica, catnip and black licorice.
Neat
Appearance: A core of zincite ore fades to pale yellow.
Nose: Opens sweetly, on buttered pancakes with maple syrup and cinnamon donuts. Gradually the aroma shifts to exotic, earthy notes of forest floor, cracked walnut, leather, red miso, and incense. Fruits feel ancillary, but kiwi, white currant, mulled cider and raspberry pastille all make an appearance. The rye spice is pronounced, lending bay leaf, angelica and chocolate mint.
Palate: Gently sweet with chewy tannin, the evolution on the palate mirrors the nose. Honey, coffee cake and a touch of brownie taking the lead. Dry rose follows, on walnut shell, fallen leaves and portobello mushroom; reminiscent of an old Oloroso sherry. There’s a juicy brightness that makes notes of honeydew melon, grenadine and orange zest come alive.
Finish: Cinnamon donut accompanied by nocino, black licorice and tar. As it fades, it softens to leather, orange peel and apple blossom.
With a few drops of spring water
Fresh, with a bright sea salt note rounded out by oregano and catnip. The palate grows creamier, tasting of cereal milk.
PRESS FOR BATCH 023
BATCH 022
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Kentucky and Indiana
Selection of 5-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
116.6 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020)
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Double Gold
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-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2020)
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Finalist
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96 Points
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FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 022 is a marriage of two separate and iconic styles of Bourbon: Classily dry and woody Kentucky Bourbon, and floral, herbaceous, and sweet Indiana Bourbon. The final blend was constructed from four separate lots, each with its own nuanced family of flavors. Much like Batches 007, 011, and 013, Batch 022 incorporates the freshness of some carefully chosen, younger barrels to bring a more extensive set of flavors and aromas to the table.
An elaborate herbal complexity that elegantly yields to beehive, nuttiness, and green fruits. Rich, sweet, and spicy, the palate opens up to reveal a panoply of desserts laid over an earthy backbone.
Neat
Appearance: An old leather belt with a polished brass buckle.
Nose: The rye grain is most immediate, presenting as Yellow Chartreuse and expanding in the direction of juniper berry, cream of fennel soup, and angelica. Woven throughout are delicate florals, alternating between elderflower and wintergreen. Gooseberry jam, kiwi and white peach emerge as a subtle fruitiness. Well-integrated oak lays a gentle foundation of Florentine cookie, vanilla toffee and cola. With time, other themes develop, such as sweet beehive and a savory or umami quality.
Palate: A rich entry- oily and sweet. The creamy texture evokes flan and cappuccino. The oak guides the flavor with sweet tea, s’more, and sugar cane. Root beer and cinchona bark ensure the rye spice is not neglected. Meanwhile, the underlying spirit provides honeysuckle, honeydew melon and candied apricot.
Finish: The sweet tea lingers, accompanied by chicory cafe au lait and Cherry Heering. It fades delicately on rhubarb and peppermint candy.
With a few drops of spring water
The palate takes on some earthy touches of granite and birch bark before fading as Fernet.
PRESS FOR BATCH 022
BATCH 021
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana
Selection of 10 to 14-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
106.34 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
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San Francisco World Spirits Challenge (2020)
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Double Gold
-
Best Bourbon
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Best Small Batch Bourbon
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Best Bourbon 6-10 Year
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 94
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Whisky Advocate Editor's Choice Winter 2019
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is the culmination of two separate projects used to contrast one another. The first is a blend of 10-year-old barrels from TN, IN, and KY. We sorted these barrels into 3 groups by their most defining characteristics: one group of the most corn-forward and buttery barrels, one group of the woodiest barrels, and one group of easy-drinking lower proof barrels. The result was three different ingredients, each designed to bring a particular aspect to the final product.
The balancing of these three ingredients proved difficult as the woodier ingredient so easily dominated the other two, but also brought a viscosity and mouth feel that we found very intriguing. Ultimately, we chose to integrate 18 carefully chosen 14-year-old barrels into the final blend. This allowed us to keep the dry, woody, and palate coating characteristics we loved so much in the 10-year-old blend by accenting them with a fruitier, gentler 14-year-old component. The result, Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is a wonderfully autumnal bourbon, built on a dry toasty backbone with hints of butter and fruit layered in for complexity and contrast.
Tangy berries in a dry, oaky nose lead to a rich and nutty palate that showcases exotic notes of sumac and rose. The berries return in a long, spicy finish.
Neat
Appearance: Oiled Leather.
Nose: Opens with a tangy blackberry note supported by a dry oaky character. Blonde tobacco, sunflower seeds, iced tea, and cardamom are gradually joined by a growing peppermint note. Sweeter pastry notes such as cider donut, apricot danish and Turkish delights can be found. While not as floral as some batches, the nose is lifted by Creme Yvette, milkweed, pollen and peach skin. Slate and ginger ale offer a refreshing counterbalance.
Palate: Rich and nutty, cocoa butter supports ample macadamia nut, nougat, and tonka bean. Orange blossom honey and apricot are joined by more exotic notes of rose, loganberry and sumac.
Finish: The blackberry note from the nose returns alongside elderberry, and quince paste that evolve into lingering spicy notes of cocoa nib, aniseed and raspberry leaf.
With a few drops of spring water
The pastry and floral notes grow bolder, exhibiting almond croissant, hazelnut spread as well as buttercup, heather and saffron. The palate grows earthier, on licorice root, cassia bark and chestnut honey, while the finish dries out with crabapple, cranberry, and Amarena cherry.
PRESS FOR BATCH 021
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Inside Hook picks Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 as “Something Great” in These Are the Only 5 Bourbon Bottles You Need
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The Bourbon Culture reviews Barrell Craft Spirits releases both old and new in their article of the 10 Best Whiskeys From Barrell Craft Spirits.
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Hosts Matt and Mark of the Bourbon Life podcast talk with Tripp Stimson, master distiller of Barrell Craft Spirits about Tripp's past experience in the bourbon industry, what's coming up for BCS, and spends time tasting and reviewing Barrell Bourbon batches 020, 021, and 022.
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Dads Drinking Bourbon catch up in the studio while sipping some Barrell Bourbon Batch 020, Bourbon Batch 021, and American Vatted Malt.
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Today's Editor's Pick In Forbes, By Brad Japhe
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Maxim writes about Barrell Bourbon Batch 021: This Blended Whiskey Has Been Crowned Best Bourbon Of The Year
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Business Wire: Barrell Craft Spirits Batch 021 Named “Best Bourbon” At The 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
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Whiskey Jug describes Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 as "A Beautiful Bourbon Blend.”
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Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 listed as Editor's Choice in the Winter 2019 Guide of Whisky Advocate Magazine
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Bourbon Culture reviews batch 021 saying "there’s no denying this is a premium bourbon because the complexity and layers revealed more and more with every sip.”
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Drinkhacker rates batch 021 saying, "the finish is long and caramel covered with a bit of wet tobacco and cinnamon sugar.”
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 "another appetizing release from the meticulous minds at barrell craft spirits. highly recommended."
BATCH 021
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana
Selection of 10 to 14-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
106.34 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020)
-
Double Gold
-
Best Bourbon
-
Best Small Batch Bourbon
-
Best Bourbon 6-10 Year
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 94
-
Whisky Advocate Editor's Choice Winter 2019
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is the culmination of two separate projects used to contrast one another. The first is a blend of 10-year-old barrels from TN, IN, and KY. We sorted these barrels into 3 groups by their most defining characteristics: one group of the most corn-forward and buttery barrels, one group of the woodiest barrels, and one group of easy-drinking lower proof barrels. The result was three different ingredients, each designed to bring a particular aspect to the final product.
The balancing of these three ingredients proved difficult as the woodier ingredient so easily dominated the other two, but also brought a viscosity and mouth feel that we found very intriguing. Ultimately, we chose to integrate 18 carefully chosen 14-year-old barrels into the final blend. This allowed us to keep the dry, woody, and palate coating characteristics we loved so much in the 10-year-old blend by accenting them with a fruitier, gentler 14-year-old component. The result, Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is a wonderfully autumnal bourbon, built on a dry toasty backbone with hints of butter and fruit layered in for complexity and contrast.
Tangy berries in a dry, oaky nose lead to a rich and nutty palate that showcases exotic notes of sumac and rose. The berries return in a long, spicy finish.
Neat
Appearance: Oiled Leather.
Nose: Opens with a tangy blackberry note supported by a dry oaky character. Blonde tobacco, sunflower seeds, iced tea, and cardamom are gradually joined by a growing peppermint note. Sweeter pastry notes such as cider donut, apricot danish and Turkish delights can be found. While not as floral as some batches, the nose is lifted by Creme Yvette, milkweed, pollen and peach skin. Slate and ginger ale offer a refreshing counterbalance.
Palate: Rich and nutty, cocoa butter supports ample macadamia nut, nougat, and tonka bean. Orange blossom honey and apricot are joined by more exotic notes of rose, loganberry and sumac.
Finish: The blackberry note from the nose returns alongside elderberry, and quince paste that evolve into lingering spicy notes of cocoa nib, aniseed and raspberry leaf.
With a few drops of spring water
The pastry and floral notes grow bolder, exhibiting almond croissant, hazelnut spread as well as buttercup, heather and saffron. The palate grows earthier, on licorice root, cassia bark and chestnut honey, while the finish dries out with crabapple, cranberry, and Amarena cherry.
PRESS FOR BATCH 021
NEW YEAR 2020
A blend of 5 and 10-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, New York, and Texas
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
109.4 proof cask strength bottling
FLAVOR NOTES
To celebrate the successes of the past year, and to toast the New Year, we’ve created Barrell Bourbon New Year 2020 Limited Edition. It’s comprised of reserves from some of our batches and other choice barrels coming from 5 distilleries in 5 states.
Ripe peach aromas hover over a sweet core of pecan pie, dried fig and hot cocoa in this warm and charming bourbon. Deep and contemplative, tingly mulling spices and meadow herbs vie for attention. A drop of water unleashes an explosion of tropical fruit.
Neat
Appearance: A core of worn gold transitions through burnt orange to deep russet.
Nose: Starts warm, bursting with fresh, ripe peach atop buttercream frosting. Rich pastry notes of buttered grits, pecan pie, cider donut and chocolate soufflé provide ample depth. The bright meadowy nose evolves through red clover, yellow gentian, marigold and mint tea. There is a slight prickle of toasted oak and mulling spices but seeking beyond them reveals fruit including dried fig, pear, and maraschino cherry.
Palate: Deep and comforting wintery flavors of kirsch-spiked cocoa, mulled cider and Irish coffee lend tingly warmth to the opening. As bourbon rests on the palate, prickly alcohol invokes peach Bellini and meyer lemon. As it mellows, darker flavors of hazelnut, hickory, dried fig and grains of paradise expand.
Finish: Sweet and savory, as sassafras transitions through chestnut honey and moss before closing out on vanilla meringue and incense.
With a few drops of spring water
A fruity cascade of lime juice green papaya salad, honeydew melon, coconut and lychee are softened just a bit by a hint of green cardamom.
BATCH 020
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Kentucky
Selection of 10 to 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
106.7 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020)
-
Double Gold
-
-
Whiskies of the World Awards (2019)
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Gold (Bourbon > 6 Years category)
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 92
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 020 was blended from a selection of barrels from Tennessee and Kentucky. We started with 10-year-old barrels with a lush, prominent fruit profile and balanced them with 14-year-old oak-forward barrels resulting in a complex bourbon with an engaging brightness.
Sweet but not excessively oaky, this bourbon opens fruity and softly spiced while a floral side builds over time. Its flavor is focused but complex, with notes of Oolong tea and forest floor leading to a finish of punchy fruits and racy minerality.
Neat
Appearance: Light amber maple syrup with a burnt sienna core.
Nose: Opens sweetly, showcasing butterscotch, and hazelnut liqueur alongside deeply hued fruity notes of brandy, montmorency cherry, and black currant. With time the nose is lifted by lighter fruits -- pears poached in spiced wine and mirabelle plum; as well as by myriad flowers -- rose, cherry blossom, and hibiscus. Soft, woody spices in the form of star anise, and cedar lend balance while the whole is given depth by a surprising savory side, showcasing pain levain, cultured butter, toasted sesame and enoki mushroom.
Palate: Delivers much of the sweetness of oak without tasting particularly oaky; opening on honey, nougat, nocino, and salmiak. It seems almost roasted, tasting of espresso and charcoal pencil, before notes of oolong tea and forest floor reveal its depth.
Finish: Quite intense, with an array of fruits, particularly cranberry and kumquat, enlivened by a mineral signature of salt, graphite, rock pools and mastic. It fades gently on an assortment of spices, aniseed, licorice, cocoa nib, and hyssop.
With a few drops of spring water
The nose becomes richer, dense with fennel pollen, violet pastille, whole pineapple and neufchatel. The palate reveals more complexity, concord grape, gooseberry jam, lime zest, and kola nut.
PRESS FOR BATCH 020
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BATCH 019
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Kentucky
Selection of 9.5 to 14-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
106.52 proof cask strength bottling
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2019)
-
Double Gold
-
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2019)
-
Finalist
-
94 Points
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 91
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 019 is a study in complexity. We sorted a careful selection of 9.5 to 14-year-old barrels from Kentucky and Tennessee into 5 groups. We then blended portions of those 5 groups together to maximize the unique qualities of each.
Barrell bourbon batch 019 is a classic bourbon. The sweet opening notes give way to nutty and herbaceous nuance, all overlaid by a lattice of barrel spice.
Neat
Appearance: Sherry cobbler.
Nose: Waffle soaked with syrup and honey roasted cashew. Subtle, herbaceous accents color the aroma: Benedictine liqueur, eucalyptus, Saaz hops and fried sage. Fruity notes are more subdued, though gooseberry, Mirabelle plum and orange zest lurk beneath the surface. Ginger ale and cardamom barrel spice settle over the top.
Palate: The initial impression is of power, but it’s checked and balanced by its breadth and complexity. Like the nose, sweet notes are most apparent, those of salted caramel, marzipan, coconut milk and sabayon. The herbs, too, are present: rosemary, Jasmine tea and the leafiness of an Oloroso sherry. Pops of nectarine and lemon cordial round out the proceedings.
Finish: Clean and consistent, Rainier cherry, amaretto, peaches and cream, and a touch of salt.
With a few drops of spring water
The nose grows fruitier and nuttier, like charoset, but with additional notes of cooked raspberry and fennel pollen; while the palate grows even sweeter and woodsier, tasting of nougat, pine needle tea, and blonde shag tobacco.
PRESS FOR BATCH 019
BATCH 018
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Kentucky
Selection of 11, 14, and 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
111.56 proof cask strength bottling
Mash bill: corn, rye, and malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2019)
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Best Small Batch Bourbon 11 Years and Older
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Double Gold
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 91
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 018 is a cinnamon bomb of a bourbon. We began with a juicy and tropical 11-year-old blend and layered in more structured and spice-driven 14 and 15-year-old barrels to give this batch a serious amount of character and bite.
A blend of straight bourbons with all the comfort of your favorite Old Fashioned -- sweet and rich with notes of honey, orange and cherry. Coffee and tropical fruit on the palate lead into an earthy finish that invites thoughtful contemplation as the whiskey continues to evolve.
Neat
Appearance: Wildflower honey with brassy highlights.
Nose: Opens rich and fruity, on orange liqueur and maraschino syrup, with underpinnings of cardamom, juniper, and incense. With air, a note of sweet vermouth arrives then evolves into concord grape jam and mint shisha. Slowly, exotic notes of papaya, finger lime, and gooseberry lift above the milieu.
Palate: The flavor of wildflower honey joins the orange liqueur and sweet vermouth from the nose but these sweet flavors are balanced by tangy pomegranate and strawberry. Subtle notes of dark chocolate and kahlua lend it depth.
Finish: Unexpectedly earthy, with cardamom re-appearing alongside almond, cappuccino, and sumac.
With a few drops of spring water
The fruit grows brighter, introducing notes of tangerine zest, mango, passionfruit and coconut, while mineral notes of limestone and tonic water add even more lift.
PRESS FOR BATCH 018
BATCH 017
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky
Selection of 10-year 4 month, 14, and 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
112.5 proof cask strength bottling
Mash bill: corn, rye, and malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2019)
-
Double Gold
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 90
FLAVOR NOTES
Batch 017 is an homage to a style of bourbon we love, which has become increasingly hard to find. It’s the classic 10-year-old: high proof and balanced, oak driven but complex. This batch is our tribute to the elegant bourbons of the past.
An autumnal nose of mulled cider and cherry pie leads to an unexpectedly complex and tropical palate. Steely minerality lends tension to a whiskey that is at once rich and delicate.
Neat
Appearance: Burnt sienna with bronze highlights.
Nose: An inviting aroma of mulled cider with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg opens the proceedings. The impression of early-autumn is strengthened by aromas of cherry pie, purple plums, funnel cakes and a mug of chamomile tea with orange blossom honey. With time, delicate notes of honeydew melon, meyer lemon, cuban mint and apple blossom float from the glass.
Palate: Very rich, almost buttery, but balanced by an unexpectedly tropical, juicy side. The opening takes its cue from the nose, exhibiting pound cake and apple jelly, before an cascade of fruits rush in: pineapple, passion fruit, mirabelle plums, gooseberries, lime cordial and guava paste. Flavors of Chartreuse and sweet vermouth lend breadth and the whole is kept in check by little graphite minerality.
Finish: The tropical and herbaceous themes remain but the more delicate floral and mineral notes shine as the whiskey fades, with flavors meadowsweet and tonic water lingering at the end.
With a few drops of spring water
A mezcal-like, steely minerality provides tension while a note of roast duck with cranberry offers yet another layer of flavor. The aroma grows at once creamy with lemon donut and coconut cream, but also jammy with blackberry, lychee and rose jam.
PRESS FOR BATCH 017
NEW YEAR 2019
A blend of 5, 8, 11, 14, and 15-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Texas, Illinois
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
112.1 proof cask strength bottling
FLAVOR NOTES
To celebrate the New Year, we've created Barrell Bourbon New Year 2019 Limited Edition. It's comprised of reserves from some of our batches and other choice barrels coming from 6 distilleries in 6 states. Throughout the year we set aside particularly inspiring barrels that we believe will make an interesting contribution to the New Year release. We do dozens of test blends to find the combination we believe to be the best and most interesting from our barrel inventory to make our New Year blend a truly unique expression.
The nose is greeted by a fully laden dessert cart, resplendent with assorted dried fruits and nuts, chocolates, and other confections. On the palate, rye grain delivers a complex and harmonious blends of herbs and spices.
Neat
Appearance: The full range of oranges and reds one expects from a sugar maple at the peak of autumn.
Nose: The nose is decadent, with sweet aromas of hazelnut macaron, ganache, marzipan and root beer commingling with sweet cider and an assortment of dried fruits (apricot, fig, and candied orange peel). Classic floral dessert garnishes such as rose, apricot noyaux, and vanilla offer heady top notes. The bass clef is carried by oiled leather, marshmallow and dandelion roots, and granite.
Palate: Creme anglaise makes for a rich backdrop to showcase classic rye spices of nutmeg, sarsaparilla, amaretto and stewed raisin.
Finish: The rye grain really broadens its scope with notes of cocoa nib, candied ginger, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe blanche.
With a few drops of spring water
The nose takes grows creamy with notes of coconut milk, heirloom grits with butter and crème de menthe, while its floral character also gains more complexity with lily, goldenrod and grapefruit oil. The palate meanwhile takes on several additional layers of depth, with notes of black walnut, poppy seed, licorice root, black cherry soda, and guava.
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BATCH 016
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky
Selection of 9-year 9 month, 11, and 15-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
105.8 proof cask strength bottling
Mash bill: corn, rye, and malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)
-
Gold
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 89
FLAVOR NOTES
Bourbon Batch 016 is a blend of barrels set aside over the past year for a distinct toasted orange note. The ages range from 9 year 9 months to 15-years-old. Deeply concentrated but not too oaky, this bourbon is unique due to the barrels being selected for similar qualities despite being different ages and coming from different distilleries.
Early-morning bakery aromas lead into a sweet and oily palate of peach, milk chocolate and Italian roast coffee. Dark fruits develop in the finish along with a mineral note that’s been constant throughout.
Neat
Appearance: Polished copper with edges fracturing into a spectrum ranging from marigold to pollen.
Nose: Sweet on the nose and exhibiting a well-integrated depth of oak. The aroma is packed with cherry clafoutis, kouign-amann, pecan pie, and cinnamon roll. This is balanced by oaky spice (nutmeg, marshmallow root, cocoa powder) and oak-derived notes that only come from slow maturation (moss, candied praline, unlit cigar, sandalwood). Fruity notes of rubbed orange and lime peel, umeboshi, dried apricot, fresh peach tantalize along with ever present intriguing mineral notes of flint, slate, and iron.
Palate: The texture is sweet and oily, deeply flavorful without any woody bitterness. Coconut oil and honeycomb provide a rich backdrop for bright notes of peach, milk chocolate, Italian roast coffee and barrel char.
Finish: Blackberry and elderberry come to the fore as the mineral notes of graphite, slate, iron, copper, salt broaden. All this is overlaid atop molasses.
With a few drops of spring water
The oak is pushed into the background revealing the character of the spirit beneath. Aromas of vanilla buttercream, brioche, piña colada, and honeysuckle appear. The palate grows quite syrupy and develops some of the pastry shop character of the nose while the finish evolves with gingerbread, cardamom, and wintergreen.
PRESS FOR BATCH 016
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Adventures in Whiskey says Barrell Bourbon batch 016 is “another beautiful blend by Barrell”
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Bourbon Smith says: Barrell Bourbon batch 016 is hitting all the right notes
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Bourbon Scout reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 016 calling it "delightful....complex…”
BATCH 015
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Indiana
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
107.6 proof cask strength bottling
Selection of 9.5, 10, and 11-year-old barrels
Mash bill: corn, rye, and malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)
-
Gold
-
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2018)
-
90 Points
-
-
Whisky Advocate. rating of 90
FLAVOR NOTES
We selected 9.5, 10 and 11-year-old barrels from different distilleries and rickhouse locations. The barrels were carefully blended, resulting in a sophisticated, balanced bourbon loaded with apple, gingerbread and honeyed corn notes.
Creamy exotic filberts, trails of tart Granny Smith apple skin, lush saddle leather and minute bursts of campfire charred gingerbread abound in each sip. Light swirls of the wrist offer touches of nutmeg and cardamom.
Neat
Appearance: Mahogany veneer leading to motes of shimmering gold leaf melting deeply into the center of the tasting glass. Glistening and clear at the edges, natural fats and oils trail slowly down the glass, each swirl of the glass offers lush prisms of hand polished copper.
Nose: Forest floor of crushed leaves melds into a flaky, lard-spun pie crust laid over homemade mincemeat. Bacon fat and dark brown sugar toasted nuts come into the forefront, along with licks of slow cooked bone broth woven with tangles of sweet and toasty wood smoke.
Palate: Vast slabs of gingerbread toasted over a cast iron pan until just charred, scattered with oven roasted currants and pools of dark Jamaican Rum cream. Each sip of the 107.6 proof heat is beguiling as it rolls over the tongue.
Finish: Split, buttered and griddled diner-style corn muffins slowly give way to richer notes of creamed corn with an undercurrent of cedar shavings. Fire burnished marshmallow crusts are redolent of Café du Monde Beignets sifted with powdered sugar.
With a few drops of spring water
Softly whipped cream spooned over hot, cast iron crisped gingerbread drenched with a zephyr of slowly caramelized shallot and apple butter. Puffs of charred oak smoke offer further mystery and intrigue.
PRESS FOR BATCH 015
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Maxim lists Barrell Bourbon batch 015 as one of The 15 Great Whiskeys to Try in 2018
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Whiskey Reviewer picks the best from 20 batches of Barrell Bourbon
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Whisky wash reviews barrell bourbon batch 015 saying "they’re all high-quality but some take you on a longer ride than others: this is one of those."
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Axis of Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 015 calling it a great summer bourbon
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Bourbon Scout recommends Barrell Bourbon batch 015
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 015 and talks to founder Joe Beatrice and master distiller Tripp Stimson
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The Whiskey Reviewer gives Barrell Bourbon batch 015 an A-
NEW YEAR 2018
A blend of 5, 7, 9, 10, and 14-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, and Texas
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
111.2 proof cask strength bottling
Aged in American white oak barrels
FLAVOR NOTES
New Year. New Beginnings. New Traditions. To celebrate the spirit of the season, we crafted this limited release bourbon. We mixed together barrels of different ages and mashbills, comprised of reserves from some of our batches, and other choice barrels coming from 7 distilleries in 5 states. Cheers to the New Year!
Christmas cake explodes from the glass, studded with slivered almonds, prunes, and black currents. The lightly roasted coffee note drifting up is reminiscent of the New Orleans classic, Café Brulôt, where clove studded oranges are floated in brandy, set aflame, then slowly extinguished with black coffee.
Neat
Appearance: Dark honey with ginger highlights.
Nose: Rich, deeply fruited and subtly spiced with slivered almonds, prunes, and black currents. Coffee notes are followed by soft oak, licorice, and vanilla flecked whipped cream atop hot cocoa, reminiscent of a finely aged Armagnac.
Palate: Like your first bite of a cheerily iced gingerbread man and rounded out by Twix candy bar, hazelnut cappuccino, and fig jam. The mouthfeel grows syrupy as it sits on the palate.
Finish: Creme de menthe melting into cocoa with a dash of steaming black coffee.
With a few drops of spring water
The oak gets pushed back, revealing Membrillo and raspberry pâte-de-fruit on the nose. Notes of cranberry, candied lime peel and curacao, and a finish that hints of pineapple upside-down cake.
PRESS FOR BATCH 014
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Bourbon Scout gives Barrell Bourbon New Year 2018 bourbon an A+
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Whiskey Reviewer reviews Barrell Bourbon New Year 2018 bourbon
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New Bourbon Drinker reviews four new batches from Barrell Bourbon
BATCH 014
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Kentucky
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
Selection of 9 and 14-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
109.4 proof cask strength bottling
Mash bill: corn, rye, malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)
-
Gold
-
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2018)
-
93 Points
-
FLAVOR NOTES
We reserved a portion of Barrell Bourbon Batch 012 in the original barrels, which became the foundation for Barrell Bourbon Batch 014. We then selected additional 9-year-old bourbon barrels for their fruit notes, as well as a number of 14-year-old high rye barrels to deliver a bit of spice and oak. The result is complex and thoughtful - a nicely balanced spicy bourbon.
A vivid honey, raisin and fall fruit flavor with an underlying bed of baking spices is the first impression. Those flavors are quickly followed by a creamy texture with a citrus curd. The finish is long with an elusive combination of almond paste and black pepper.
Neat
Appearance: Rose gold with a light copper center.
Nose: An impatient sniff off the freshly opened bottle is rewarded with an incredibly vivid aroma of honey. A delicate balance of spirit-driven dried fruit, including fig, cranberry, apple, and raisin, and oak-driven baking spices of cinnamon and chai tea. This is underpinned by deeper, grain-driven notes of whole wheat sourdough. With time the nose grows sweeter and creamier, with notes of, lime curd, milk chocolate, and amaretto. The fruit grows brighter, evolving into apricot and passion fruit with a touch of green peppercorn.
Palate: The mouth feel is sweet and rounded like a fine calvados but the flavors are lively, almost effervescent. Opens on honey, apricot, white tea, and marigold, with delicately bitter notes of tulsi. This is balanced with soft, crushed almond, maple syrup, and oyster mushroom. Patience is rewarded with warm almond croissant, macadamia nut, nutmeg, and a burst of passion fruit.
Finish: Brings candied cherry, cinnamon, and angostura bitters, like the last sip of a beautifully balanced Manhattan.
With a few drops of spring water
The floral aromas develop further complexity of jasmine flowers, and the fruit jumps out on the palate, introducing muscat grape, trending toward lychee. A strong tobacco note emerges in the finish, making the mouth water for another sip.
PRESS FOR BATCH 014
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Bevvy reviews batch 014: a big, bold, bourbon lover’s bourbon that’s bound to dazzle fans
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New bourbon drinker reviews four new batches from Barrell Bourbon
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Gear patrol lists Barrell Bourbon batch 014 as “best blended bourbon” for 2018
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews batch 014: “Barrell Bourbon’s winning streak continues”
BATCH 012
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged for 9 years in Tennessee
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
108.5 proof cask strength bottling
Aged for 9 years in American white oak barrels
Mash bill: 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley
FLAVOR NOTES
Batch 012 is a high rye bourbon comprised of 9-year-old barrels and selected older bourbon stocks, most of which were aged in the lower sections of the rick house. This gentler aging style makes Batch 012 a fruit-forward bourbon that shows its spice in the mid-palate, and its drawn out complexity in a long, layered finish.
Sumptuous and lush, Batch 12 fills the mouth with late summer fruit jam and dollops of fresh whipped cream on hot brioche bread pudding. The multi-minute finish is rich with chocolate and heady rye notes.
Neat
Appearance: Deep amber at the core melting to rose gold and brightly polished copper, rimmed by clear edges marbled with wildflower honey.
Nose: Elaborate and indulgent nose of rich orange curd, strawberry, and bursts of sea foam, with licks of pumpkin pie and wet Spanish saddle leather.
Palate: Creamy textures abound with luxurious dabs of fresh whipped cream spooned over long simmered hot chocolate. English summer ale at the top of the tongue gives rise to mid-range notes of crushed Oreo cookie leading into the 108.5 proof finish.
Finish: Minced cigar and pipe tobacco meld with slow cooked summer peach pie. Hints of sea smoke, crushed salt-slicked rocks and pork cracklings round out the finish.
With a few drops of spring water
Softer still than without, velvety with notes of sweet butter melted over charred corn on the cob.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
PRESS FOR BATCH 012
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The Bourbon Scout gives Barrell Bourbon batch 012 an A-
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Blundon Bourbon review writes about Barrell Bourbon batch 012
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The Bourbon Buddy reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 012
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Axis of Whisky calls Barrell Bourbon batch 012 “another top-quality powerhouse by the man with the golden palate”
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 012: "I rather enjoyed this batch. A lot.”
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New Bourbon Drinker reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 012
BATCH 013
A blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Indiana
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
Selection of 5 and 8-year-old barrels
Aged in American white oak barrels
113 proof cask strength bottling
Mash bill: corn, rye (high and low), malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2017)
-
Gold
-
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2018)
-
Finalist
-
95 Points
-
FLAVOR NOTES
Batch 013 is the combination of a 5-year-old Indiana bourbon and 5 and 8-year-old high rye Tennessee bourbons. The 5 year-old barrels were chosen for their brilliant corn-forward flavor and the 8 year old to provide structure and depth.
Thick slabs of smoked bacon, tiny curls of cedar wood shavings, bitter chocolate pastilles and Georgia peach preserves wash over the palate in rapid succession. Subtle notes of open fire cooked corn bread dusted in zesty chili powder give way to crumbles of dehydrated oranges. Hints of salty crushed minerals and rich lemon curd round out this bourbon.
Neat
Appearance: Shimmering mahogany at the core encompassed by layers of polished gold leaf.
Nose: Roasted almond, white tobacco flowers and cracklings flow into droplets of brown butter, new saddle leather and citrus zest.
Palate: Cavendish pipe tobacco, spicy corn bread with raw honey cream, thick lemon curd and dry straw.
Finish: Tangy wood smoke, raw honey syrup and blood orange.
With a few drops of spring water
This exquisite liquescent has the texture of Italian roast coffee with silky foamed milk. Further sips reveal the flavor of steamed corn on the cob dripping with melting butter that dissolves into lemon zest and leather.
PRESS FOR BATCH 013
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Whiskey Wash says "it’s always a good day when i get Barrell whiskies to review"
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The Bourbon Scout reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 013 and Barrell Rye batch 001
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New Bourbon Drinker on Barrell Bourbon batch 013: this is another epic release from the folks at Barrell Bourbon
NEW YEAR 2017
A blend of 5, 7, 8, 9, and 13-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Separately distilled in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana
Aged in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
117.0 proof cask strength bottling
Aged in American white oak barrels
FLAVOR NOTES
New Year. New Beginnings. New Traditions. We came up with the idea of blending a bourbon to celebrate the New Year, and we gave ourselves free reign to develop something to capture the spirit of the season. It was the first time we blended barrels of different ages with different mashbills from different states, and we had a lot of fun doing it. To date, every release of our bourbon has been a marriage of casks produced in the same distillation season. We do this to highlight different production styles, aging techniques and age expressions. To commemorate 2017, we combined 5 to 13 year old barrels from several different states, which were distilled and aged using different techniques. We had one goal in mind, to make the most captivating, delicious bourbon we could.
Crushed stone and broiled fruit give way to wet saddle leather and generous dollops of heavy sweet cream oozing over cast iron baked cornbread. The pleasant warmth of this bourbon is tempered by the opulent, mouth-filling extended finish. Fire and smoke swirl around your palate, leaving behind bursts of sea salt, walnut liqueur, and citrus oils on your tongue. This is a highly sophisticated liquid, perfect for celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
Neat
Appearance: Luxuriant 18 karat gold flecked with cinnamon red at its heart with edges of yellower gold leaf shimmering with each gentle swirl of the glass.
Nose: Wet leather and Tahitian-vanilla bean challah French toast awash in hazelnut brown butter and dark maple syrup. Sweet plum and cherry notes give way to campfire and toasted buckwheat for a simultaneously familiar and exotic aroma.
Palate: Smoldering oak underlies the ever-present heat with each slurp accentuated by salted caramel and droplets of condensed milk.
Finish: Crackling hot late season corn pudding, covered in dollops of rapidly melting sweet butter jump at you. Each sip plunges down the throat, drenched in spicy citrus marmalade and toasted grains.
With a few drops of spring water
Notes of spicy ginger beer, sarsaparilla, and birch bark rush across the palate, making way for toasted brioche topped with smoked butter and raw honey. Filtered stream water carries the strong presence of this remarkable liquid, making it sing.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
PRESS FOR NEW YEAR 2017
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Newbourbondrinker on Barrell Bourbon New Year: “if you are lucky enough to find a bottle on the shelf, run to grab it, do not hesitate”
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Drink Me Mag review Barrell Bourbon’s limited edition New Year 2017
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Stupiddope.com recommends Barrell Bourbon New Year
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The Whiskey Reviewer reflects on Barrell Bourbon's limited edition New Year bourbon
BATCH 011
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled and aged in Tennessee
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
114.8 proof cask strength bottling
Aged for 6 years in American white oak barrels
Mash bill: 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley
AWARDS:
-
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2017)
-
Best Bourbon
-
Best Small Batch Bourbon
-
Double Gold
-
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2017)
-
Finalist
-
96 Points
-
-
Whisky Advocate rating of 91
FLAVOR NOTES
Barrell Bourbon Batch 011 is the culmination of a 2 year long barrel sorting project focused on highlighting a particularly rare and bright flavor note found in only select barrels of Bourbon. The base of this blend is 6-year-old barrels but it contains older barrels as well.
Raw honey drenched Bing cherries atop toasted sweet corn pudding. Hearty Russian Rye toast soldiers sprinkled with sea salt slathered in maple butter and summer fruit compote. The rich and flavorful grains plunge into soft creaminess and recollects state fair caramel popcorn in the finish, belying the 114.8 proof heat.
Neat
Appearance: Clear edges with gossamer legs meld into a golden honey with a veneer of rose gold and terra cotta.
Nose: Piping hot cornmeal Hush Puppies liberally sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar. Notes of Cavendish tobacco and bourbon barrels give way to a lush cherry preserves aroma.
Palate: A sharp burst of corn soufflé dissipates into honey graham cracker crusted pecan pie tartlets. The 114.8 proof provides for a multi-minute finish of hot stone fruit crumble.
Finish: Hot puff pastry filled with stovetop griddled bacon and a touch of dry Burgundy mustard.
With a few drops of spring water
The water softens and lengthens the flavors found in this bourbon, delivering a deeply rich and satisfying sip.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
PRESS FOR BATCH 011
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Bourbon Trapper: Barrell Bourbon has proved that they have great products by putting out award winning spirits
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Whisky Advocate rates Barrell Bourbon batch 011 a 91
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Wes at Modern Thirst Barrell Bourbon batch 011 an "A" rating
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The Whiskey Reviewer recommends Barrell Bourbon batch 011
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Axis of Whisky reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 011
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Barrel Aged Boston reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 011
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Breaking Bourbon reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 011
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 011
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New Bourbon Drinker calls batch 011 a “home run”
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Bourbon Scout reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 011 and Barrell Whiskey batch 004
BATCH 008B
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled in Tennessee
Aged in Tennessee and Kentucky
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
128.3 proof cask strength bottling
Aged for 10 years in American white oak barrels
Mash bill: 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley
FLAVOR NOTES
Dense and rich on the tongue with bursts of warm brioche slathered in salted caramel, the heat from the 128.3 proof whirs around the mouth. Batch 008B brings to mind the savory sweetness of candied spiced pecans and tang of bittersweet chocolate powder. Further sips encourage the mesmerizing multi-minute finish.
Neat
Appearance: Dark amber with a deep mahogany core and narrow edges of golden sunlight. Turns of the wrist create tantalizing combinations of molten copper.
Nose: Caramelized Granny Smith apple pie with orange zest and Madagascar vanilla paste. Tangy Yuzu, aged saddle leather, and warm dark chocolate ganache.
Palate: Velvety across the palate with salvos of grey Brittany sea salt. Hot sweet summer corn creamed pudding with butter and honey tumbles around the mouth.
Finish: Sweet tobacco smoke lightly brushed with buckwheat honey gives way to salty condensed milk before yielding to butterscotch candy and the generous multi-minute conclusion.
With a few drops of spring water
Hot fried corn cakes made with coarse ground summer corn meal with heaps of fresh churned butter and cranberry-rhubarb compote. Each sip brings an appreciation of the marriage of corn and rye, with sweet and spicy intertwining to generate something unique and highly estimable.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
BATCH 009
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled in Tennessee
Aged in Tennessee and Kentucky
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
112.10 proof cask strength bottling
Aged for 13 years in American white oak barrels
Mash bill: 70% corn, 18% rye, 7% malted barley
AWARDS:
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2017)
-
95 Points
-
-
Whisky Advocate rating of 90
FLAVOR NOTES
Batch 009 is simultaneously our oldest and also lowest proof bourbon. As a result, tropical fruit notes resonate amidst the mellow warmth. For those in search of full barrel proof flavors without high rick house heat, this is the bourbon for you.
Caramelized plantains in the nose carry molasses and palate drying quince marmalade. Further sips bring surprisingly tropical fruit flavors of toasted coconut and dried mango mingling with luscious marshmallow s’mores, almond butter, and saddle leather. Deep crimson Ranier cherries pervade. The charred grapefruit and warm panela finish make each sip of 009 a vacation.
Neat
Appearance: Broiled apricot orange at the core and resplendent warm gold at the edges. Sunlight reflecting off of burnished copper flashes across the surface leaving iridescent streaks with each swirl.
Nose: Slowly roasted exotic fruits like kiwi, coconut, and Satsuma orange swirled with smoked bergamot tea. Herbed brown butter dripping over toasted brioche and northwest cherry.
Palate: Lively and amusing across the palate, the mellow warmth makes this bourbon easy to enjoy. Future sips touch all parts of the palate with broad strokes of thick clotted cream. The glow of the 112.10 proof lurks just out of sight, a welcome but not distracting figure.
Finish: Oven dried stone fruit jam with a hint of citrus oils leads to Caribbean spices. The multi-minute finish is reminiscent of sweet buttered carnival corn.
With a few drops of spring water
Bright sarsaparilla gives way to gooey apricot bread pudding fresh from the oven topped with rum soaked raisins. Each taste leaves almond oil sticking to the back of your tongue. The cool water spreads nuance and sophistication throughout each pleasurable sip.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
PRESS FOR BATCH 009
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The Bourbon Culture reviews Barrell Craft Spirits releases both old and new in their article of the 10 Best Whiskeys from Barrell Craft Spirits.
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Barrell Bourbon batch 009 listed as one of the 20 Best Bourbons of the 21st Century (so far) in the Robb report
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Robb report puts Barrell Bourbon batch 009 on their list of the 12 Best US Bourbons of the Last 20 Years You Have to Taste
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Whisky advocate rates Barrell Bourbon batch 009 a 90
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The Whiskey Wash gives batch 009 five stars
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Whiskey Reviewer on Barrell Bourbon batch 009: an excellent introduction to the realm of older, cask strength bourbons.
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Bourbon & Oak review Barrell Bourbon batch 009
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The Whiskey Wash on batch 009: Barrell Bourbon is yet again showcasing why it is one of the better non-distilling producers of American whiskey out there
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The bourbon buddy reviews Barrell Bourbon batches 009 and 010
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Axis of whisky: I’d love to know what Joe Beatrice’s secret is to picking barrels, because this Barrell Bourbon batch 009 is absolutely stunning
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Adventures in whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 009 & batch 010
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Tasty Whiskey says that batch 009 is an "unimpeachably solid bourbon that wears its age graceully"
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Bourbon Scout reviews barrell bourbon batch 009
BATCH 010
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled in Indiana
Aged in Michigan
Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
122.0 proof cask strength bottling
Aged for 8 years in American white oak barrels
Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
AWARDS:
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2017)
-
95 Points
-
-
Whisky Advocate rating of 90
FLAVOR NOTES
Batch 010 is a revelation. Bursts of slowly roasted fruits enrobed in dark cocoa and touched with wood smoke abound. Swirls of wildflower honey and crushed walnuts come and go with every single sip rewarding attention and focus. Grits topped with long-simmering stew with undercurrents of saline, quince, and Meyer lemon.
Neat
Appearance: Rose gold in late summer sunlight with edges of peak fall foliage seen through the clear, crisp waters of a mountain stream. Spins of the wrist reveal tints of golden honey and sunlight exploding through birch trees in early October.
Nose: Crème Brule and grilled grapefruit cascade in the forefront. Toasty grain, vanilla simple syrup, and sun-bleached hay with licks of wet cedar and toasted pine nuts shimmer across the olfactory senses.
Palate: Dark chocolate covered citrus fruits and fruit leather open up into cedar shavings and bursts of wood smoke across the tongue. Deeper elements reveal themselves in the decadent, five-minute ending.
Finish: Late harvest peaches thickly sliced and roasted across sweet butter drenched cinnamon raisin bread gives way to saddle leather and crushed salt that tingle and delight down the throat for the multi-minute finish.
With a few drops of spring water
Toasted nuts and cream anglaise atop brown bread pudding call out to the attentive supper with just a few drops of cool water. Red birch beer evolves into honeycomb and toasted cedar. The water also evokes elegant notes of late summer fruits, adding to the mystery of every sip.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
PRESS FOR BATCH 010
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Bourbon Culture reviews batch 010 and says "i was thoroughly impressed with this and wish i could find a second bottle."
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The Whiskey Wash writes: Joe Beatrice and his team at Barrell seem to have something of a Midas touch for bourbon
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Modern Thirst reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 010 “consider this my application to the Barrell Bourbon fan club.”
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New Bourbon Drinker reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 010
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon batch 009 & batch 010
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Bourbon & Oak review Barrell Bourbon batch 010
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The Bourbon Buddy reviews Barrell Bourbon batches 009 and 010
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The Whiskey Reviewer lists Barrell Bourbon batch 010 as one if its “winter whiskeys to watch for”
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A Drink with Forrest reviews batch 010, says it is "an absolute treat to taste"
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Bourbon Scout rates batch 010 "a+ one of the best bourbons i have ever tasted"
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Tasty Whiskey says that Barrell Bourbon batch 010 is "one of the best bourbons i've had all year"
BATCH 007
Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled and aged in Tennessee
122.4 proof cask strength bottling
Aged for 5 years in Char #4 American white oak barrels
Mash bill: 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley
AWARDS:
-
Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2017)
-
Finalist
-
98 Points
-
3 Stars - Cocktail Recommendation
-
-
Whisky Advocate rating of 87
-
Wine Enthusiast rating of 93
FLAVOR NOTES
Sizzling corn pudding in the nose, slathered in freshly churned maple butter gives way to dark, bittersweet chocolate and deeper notes of salted caramel and roasted stone fruits such as quince and plum. Bursts of citrus oils, grapefruit and Satsuma orange reveal themselves down the back of your throat along with tiny revelations of burnt sugar and salted caramel.
Neat
Appearance: Opulently amber in hue, both soft and clear at the edge. Broad strokes of natural fats drip in deeply viscous lines down the side of the glass.
Nose: Radiant slices of green melon and charred stone fruits like quince, peaches and plums move quickly into deeper notes of oak- scented rickhouse and and toasted cornbread crumbs.
Palate: Toasty wood oven baked peach pies with a flaky hand- turned crust, introduces your taste buds to the deeper sultry flavors, intensely redolent of crunchy, sweet potato crusted hush puppies.
Finish: The long finish reveals exuberant aromatics of country fair corn dogs deep fried in lard along with lighter notes of salted figs.
Tasting Notes by Warren Bobrow, The Cocktail Whisperer
PRESS FOR BATCH 007
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Bourbon & Oak review Barrell Bourbon Batch 007, saying "Barrell Bourbon hit another home run"
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Whisky Advocate rates Barrell Bourbon Batch 007 an 87
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Best in Bourbon reviews Batch 007: "The balance of spiciness and bold flavors was just right"
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Wine Enthusiast rates Batch 007 a 93
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Uncrate lists Barrell Bourbon as one of its vices
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Adventures in Whiskey reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 007
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Axis of Whiskey says "two more excellent outings from a Man who loves what he does, and does it damn well"
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Drinkhacker: "two new releases from our friends At Kentucky's Barrell Bourbon, which take a variety of sourced whiskeys and release them at cask strength, one (often wildly different) batch at a time"
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Breaking Bourbon says Barrell Bourbon continues to impress with another tasty batch of bourbon
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Bourbon Scout reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 007 saying "007 is a wild man."