Barrell Seagrass
Rye Whiskey Finished in Martinique Rum, Madeira & Apricot Brandy Barrels
59.2% ABV
$90
Website
We would like to thank Barrell Craft Spirits and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Blender Says
Barrell Seagrass is an ode to coastal memories, blended to evoke the joy of a day on the beach and an evening listening to the soothing rhythm of waves. Hot sun, brisk air, dry sand, and oceanside vegetation are brought to mind. A ripe and inviting tropical nose and grassy, bright body evolve to a finish as long as the view down the shore on a clear day.
Seagrass highlights the grassy oceanside notes we love in rye and the opulence and spice of finishing barrels. It is a blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys, with each ingredient meticulously sourced and finished separately in Martinique Rhum Agricole casks, apricot brandy casks, and Madeira barrels.
Each component whiskey brings its own attributes to Seagrass, revealing unique layers of flavor from start to finish. In classic Barrell Craft Spirits fashion, Seagrass is a true original, with its own unique personality in the BCS Portfolio and the whiskey landscape at large.
FLAVOR NOTES
A basket brimming with tropical and orchard fruits lies at the heart of this juicy whiskey, with prominent tones of ripe apricot from the brandy casks. The tropical notes are kept in check by a broad array of spicy and herbaceous rye aromas and complemented by the delicate florals of grassy, Martinique rhum. With a splash of water, the oxidized Madeira notes emerge, candying the fruit and bringing out an earthiness on the palate.
Neat
Appearance: A pale tawny with straw highlights.
Nose: High concentrations of bright, fruity esters lend a perfume-like character to the aroma. Honeydew melon and plum sit alongside a slice of ripe apricot resting out in the sun. The underlying rye is revealed by a sea-like salinity, tarragon, and elderflower.
Palate: Sweet and juicy, Seagrass opens on pear, lychee, and white grapefruit. Classic rye flavors of cinnamon, rosemary, fennel seed, and rosehip aren’t far behind. Unctuous texture and sandy tannin are complemented by a delicate astringency so common to Canadian whiskeys.
Finish: Fresh and clean, but the persistent tannin and astringency focus the powerful burst of camphor, chalk dust, and scorched earth.
With a few drops of spring water
Despite bright notes of passionfruit and geranium, the nose settles down considerably. The fresh notes are now candied — papaya, orange peel, and ginger. Liege waffle and beef tallow lay a rich foundation. The palate grows creamier, displaying french vanilla ice cream, pawpaw, and orris root.
What Gary Says
Nose: Bright and fruity, with poached pears, melon, a soft citrus note, gentle rye spice, honeysuckle and fennel, with a hint of cedar.
Palate: Sweet with tropical fruit notes of kiwi and grapefruit, vanilla, cinnamon, savory spice notes with pepper.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with herbal earthy notes.
Comments: Really interesting rye, with tropical notes along with that cedar note I get in a lot of Canadian rye. Non-age stated, but I asked and they shared that the barrels used range in age from 5 to 12 yrs old, and the various finish durations ranged from 3 weeks to about 6 months. I’m a fan of finished whisk(e)y, and appreciate the uniqueness going on in this dram, which floats between sweet and savory nicely. If you don’t like finished rye, this might not be up your alley – although I would still try it if you have a chance.