Barrell Foundation Double Barrel Bourbon
50% ABV
$55
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 Foundation Double Barrel Bourbon exhibits all the complexity that you find in a Barrell Craft Spirits bourbon at a lower proof. Secondary maturation in new American oak casks enhances the notes of dark chocolate, leather, dried fruit, and toasted marshmallows, while the twenty-three percent rye in the mash bill gives a richness to the blend. This is a versatile, full-flavored bourbon perfect for enjoying neat, over ice or in a cocktail.
BLEND COMPONENTS:
Kentucky Bourbon: 8 years old
Indiana Bourbon: 5, 6, & 9 years old
Tennessee Bourbon: 8 years old
Maryland Bourbon: 5 & 6 years old
DERIVED MASH BILL:
Corn: 73%
Rye: 23%
Malted Barley: 4%
- A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys
- Crafted and bottled in Kentucky
FLAVOR NOTES
Neat
Appearance: A rich, dark amber hue that glistens invitingly in the glass.
Nose: The aroma unfolds with a luscious blend of caramel and hints of milk chocolate, complemented by baked apples and a dash of pumpkin spice. Following this initial wave, notes of apple fritter, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey-roasted almonds, and orange peel emerge. As the glass fully opens, fresh orange juice, fine black pepper, vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate-covered cherries come to the forefront, along with enticing hints of brûléed banana, warm bread pudding, and a touch of sweet leather.
Palate: The entry is warm and creamy, with flavors of orange sponge cake, lightly roasted coffee, and rich caramel leading the way. As the sip evolves, notes of cinnamon, dark chocolate, cream puff, and fresh mint emerge. With each successive sip, cherry, vanilla, and toasted marshmallow take hold, while notes of white pepper, toasted walnuts, and vibrant orange zest flicker throughout, creating a harmonious and complex experience.
Finish: The finish is smooth and lingering, with echoes of vanilla, orange, white pepper, and cinnamon that invite you back for more.
With a splash of spring water
Adding a drop of water enhances the experience, making it more decadent. The chocolate merges with the toasted marshmallow to become fire-roasted s’mores, while the honey-roasted almonds transform into pralines. The brûléed banana evolves into luscious bananas fosters, and the baking spices become more defined, merging with the sweeter notes for an indulgent profile that entices the senses.
What Gary Says
Nose: Caramel, cocoa, baking spices, vanilla, bit of orange zest and leather.
Palate: Orange creamsicle, caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate covered cherries, nutmeg, walnuts and a bit of pepper spice at the end.
Finish: Moderate in length, slightly drying with vanilla, cinnamon and caramel.
Comments: Another really solid offering by the folks at Barrell Craft Spirits. The front label may read 5 years, but if you blind test this against a 5 year bourbon I think you’ll find the complexity from some of the older stock is noticeable. I really enjoyed this one neat; while the tasting notes from BCS are the best in the business as far as I’m concerned – a bit of water didn’t open it up for me. While really good neat, this also makes one helluva old fashioned!