Barrell Whiskey Private Release BH01

“Barrell” of Flavor, hehe

Barrell is one of our absolute favorite purveyors of whiskey! We’ve yet to try a Barrell we don’t like…and believe me, we have SEVERAL bottles. At this time, they do not distill their own product but source whiskey primarily from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. They then blend and bottle unique, aged, cask strength whiskey (and rum). All products are sold cask-strength aka barrel-strength and finished in an impressive variety of brandy, port, sherry, rye, wine, ice wine, rum, Tokaji, Madeira, ratafia de Champagne, Amaro and Armagnac casks.

The bottle we are tasting is a primarily 18yo Kentucky whiskey finished in a Sauternes barrel. The nose is very fruity with the aroma of pear and white grape. Along with the fruit, there is a punchy spice note on the palate which suggests there is a good portion of rye in the mash bill. While it is high-proof and punchy, it also is very smooth and sweet with hints of bitter oak. The Sauternes is very present on the finish. I’m not sure i’d want to drink this any way but neat as the flavors are so unique and delicious.

• Proof: 116.36 (cask strength)
• Distillery: undisclosed, distilled in Kentucky
• Location: Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits, Louisville, KY
• Website: barrellbourbon.com
• Type: Kentucky Whiskey finished in a Sauternes barrel
• Age Statement: NAS