Barrell Rye Private Release 1A11
Rye Whiskey Finished in Armagnac Cask
60.05% ABV
$110
Website
What the Blender Says
Private Release rye whiskeys are painstakingly assembled from Barrell’s deep stocks of rye whiskeys. After creating precise custom blends, we finish each assemblage in single casks, many previously used for other spirits or wines. Each single barrel release explores the huge range of spicy, herbaceous, and earthy flavors within rye itself, as well as its interactions with a kaleidoscope of different finishing casks.
For this special series, BCS selected Rye whiskeys from Indiana and Canada and then blended them into unique recipes with variations on a theme. Beginning with 10 initial selections, each release will feature a blend of Rye whiskey designed for its unique finishing cask.
- Rye Whiskey finished in an Armagnac Cask
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Bourbon Whiskey Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in an XO Cognac Cask
- Rye Whiskey finished in an Oloroso Sherry Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Madeira Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Ruby Port Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Barbados Rum Cask
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Sauternes Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Tokaji Barrel
- Rye Whiskey finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel
What Gary Says
Nose: Rye toast, cedar, fig jam, subtle citrus notes and a hint of nylon rope.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, a citrus-heavy fruit salad with bitters, black cherries, cinnamon, thyme, clove and pepper.
Finish: Long and drying with honey, orange zest and pepper.
Comments: The nose is deceptively soft for a rye whiskey, although that softness along with the cedar are familiar for Canadian rye. This dram benefits from some air time in the glass (some whiskey drinkers use the rule of one minute in the glass for every year in the cask; I don’t typically have that much patience but you’ll be rewarded if you give it just a few minutes!) Very citrus-forward palate, with a lovely herbal spiciness. If the nose lured you into expecting a sweet, soft taste – the palate is going to remind you “I’m all rye baby!” A bit of water really brightens up the citrus and brings forward some floral notes, as well as tamps down the spicy edges (without drowning them out all together).