Barrell Bourbon Batch 034
57.31% 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 Bourbon Batch 034 is a blend of 6, 8, 10, and 15-year-old barrels. 8-year-old barrels driven by strong hazelnut and dark cherry notes lay a foundation enhanced by high-corn barrels showing browned butter and apricot. We mingled this first step for months before adding high-rye barrels carrying cinnamon and allspice. Finally, a vatting of 10 and 15-year-old barrels was added for earthiness and light tannin. The result is a robust and sophisticated bourbon.
- A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys
- Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana
- Selection of 6, 8, 10, and 15-year-old barrels
- Aged in American white oak barrels
- Bottled in Kentucky
- 114.62 proof cask strength bottling
FLAVOR NOTES
The nose is deftly balanced between the exuberant fresh fruit of youth and the oxidized, dried fruit of maturity. This dynamic tension carries over to the palate where rich port notes are supported by bright Seville orange and cola
Neat
Appearance: Copper with rose gold highlights.
Nose: Eggnog and madeleines set the stage. Dry, hard cider integrates a range of florals such as elderflower and violet. Over time, the fruit transitions to a more cooked character, displaying dried apricot, candied orange peel, and mulled cider.
Palate: Blackcurrant jam and grape soda start the palate off with focus and depth. More classic notes of cinnamon donut, warm cola, and pecan pie emerge. Fresh notes of green grape and Seville orange are followed by umami, and salt.
Finish: A modest amount of sandy tannin sustains notes of shiso, licorice root, and fudgy peanut butter cup through a lengthy finish. There is an additional pop of iron and slate.
With a splash of spring water
Grows initially quite perfumed as volatiles blow off, smelling of petrichor, jasmine tea, and apple cider vinegar. When it settles, a deep rancio character comes out – leafy and nutty.
What Gary Says
Nose: Salted caramel, baked apples with cinnamon, oak (both freshly hewn and aged), nutmeg, orange zest, leather, floral with hints of mulling spices, toffee and roasted nuts.
Palate: Bread pudding, cinnamon, caramel, nutmeg, cola, honey, dark chocolate, toffee and a bit of pepper.
Finish: Moderately long, syrupy with fudge, anise and cinnamon.
Comments: Another really lovely dram! Thick and chewy like a freshly baked adult cookie. While I’ve yet to try a Barrell Bourbon batch that I didn’t like, some definitely stand-out more than others, and this is one of those. Really well balanced, with sweet, fudgy notes and just enough oak and spice.