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:
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San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)
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Gold
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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:
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San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)
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Gold
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Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2018)
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90 Points
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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