Barrell Bourbon Batch 036
58.48% ABV
$85
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 batches are the hallmark of our dedication to crafting innovative, high-quality bourbons. Released annually, each batch is a unique expression of the art of blending, designed to showcase a diverse range of ages and styles. With layers of complexity and depth, every batch is ensured to be distinctive and memorable.
Layers of mature bourbon combine to create a deep, complex woodiness. The palate is dark, brooding, and earthy, with fine tannins that linger long into the finish, allowing the flavors to slowly unfold. A splash of water reveals a sweeter side, lifting notes of confetti cake, lemon jelly, and mango.
BLEND COMPONENTS:
Kentucky Bourbon Whiskeys: 12 yrs old
Indiana Bourbon Whiskeys: 9 & 10 yrs old
Tennessee Bourbon Whiskeys: 12 & 15 yrs old
Maryland Bourbon Whiskeys: 8 yrs old
DERIVED MASH BILL:
Corn: 79%
Rye: 17%
Malted Barley: 4%
Neat
Appearance: Warm chestnut.
Nose: Fruit punch with a touch of pineapple is quickly overtaken by aged wood. That woodiness expands into mint tea, fresh greenery, and dried hay, settling into a rich “forest floor” character. Thyme, lavender, and soft herbal notes add a resinous quality, like brushing through an herb garden. Beneath it all, a savory edge emerges, leather, toasted oak, and a hint of char.
Palate: Oatmeal raisin cookie, sweet potato pie, and crusty wheat bread highlight a balance of sweetness and savoriness. Manuka honey and beeswax evoke a full beehive richness. Sweet tea, clove, and warm spice lead into a firm, soft tannins. As it develops, a deeper earthiness takes hold, with black walnut, baking spice, dark chocolate, and a touch of smoke.
Finish: Roasted nuts, melted butter, and marzipan coat the palate. A subtle herbal bitterness cuts through the richness before deeper, aged tones emerge, reminiscent of cigar box and damp earth. Fresh ginger adds lift, balancing a returning wave of fruit with hints of red currant and dried cherry.
With a splash of spring water
A burst of fresh apple, tart berries, and lemon jelly opens the nose, followed by softer tropical notes of kiwi and mango. Sweeter aromas come forward with confetti cake, honey wine, and a hint of mint. The palate follows, becoming rounder and more dessert-like, with carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon buns, and crème brûlée. Fruit notes brighten as well, with candied lemon peel and lightly grilled peach.
What Gary Says
Nose: Chocolate, caramel-covered apples, graham cracker, toasted oak with leather and orange zest.
Palate: Caramel cream candies, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, chili oil, cocoa, cloves and brown sugar.
Finish: Moderately long, slightly drying with nutty honey, vanilla and pepper spice.
Comments: A spectacular blend and a fine example of sweet and spicy working in balance. Adding a few drops of water brings out more fruit notes on the nose (leaning more towards citrus), and thickens the palate nicely with more pastry notes without losing the honey and vanilla. The caramel, honey, vanilla, and pastry notes give it a generous side, while the oak, clove, and pepper spice keep it from getting too soft. I did prefer it with a couple drops of water although this is a fine pour neat as well. Just to note – the suggested retail on this is $5 less than previous batches – not sure if this is a one-time price change or reflection of the market, but my hats off to them for lowering the price point slightly without lowering the quality at all. If I had any left from prior batches, I’d properly compare but this strikes me as one of the better ones! Add in that patriotic label and this feels tailor-made for a summer pour.