What would bourbon season be with out a few new releases from the prolific blenders at Barrell Bourbon? Whereas Jonathan is tough at work tasting the brand new Cask End Collection duo (extra amburana!), at present I’m testing two considerably a-typical choices: Basis, Barrell’s very first non-cask energy whiskey, and a brand new cask energy rye. Ideas comply with.
Barrell Basis Bourbon 5 Years Previous – Most new whiskey-makers begin with entry-level, on a regular basis choices, however Barrell Craft Spirits got here out of the gate a decade in the past with a portfolio of completely tremendous premium, cask energy expressions. Their current Stellum line was billed as an try to supply affordability to Barrell followers, however the pricier Stellum Black releases appear to have stolen the highlight. Barrell Basis is maybe an try to rectify that and eventually set up a extra entry-level providing with the additional benefit of Barrell’s title recognition.
Whereas a bit youthful on paper than the cask energy batch releases, the make-up of this one will look acquainted to Barrell followers (for probably the most half). It’s a mix of straight bourbons, aged between 5 and 9 years, sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Maryland (Maryland? Sure, Maryland.). As famous, it’s additionally the primary Barrell product to be proofed down earlier than bottling. That reality is straight away obvious on the nostril which is downright delicate in comparison with most Barrell releases. Delicate layers of vanilla fondant, citrus peel, cherry cookies, and brown butter roll out of the glass and bloom with darkish brown sugar and a refined waxiness. The palate is a bit bolder however nonetheless impressively approachable with out sacrificing a lot on the flavour entrance. An preliminary rush of praline and light-weight maple syrup shortly builds with dry, warming notes of cinnamon and clove-studded orange earlier than a beneficiant end of cream soda and buttery caramel. A protracted overdue every day drinker that’s certain to be a crowd pleaser. 100 proof. A- / $55
Barrell Rye Batch 004 – Barrell doesn’t launch rye whiskey at anyplace close to the tempo of their bourbons. Ultimately examine, there have been 35 completely different bourbon batches however solely three rye batches, now joined by this newest installment. It’s a mix of 5 completely different ryes, aged between 5 and 14 years, sourced from Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Canada. Barrell describes this launch as earthy, and I can’t disagree. The nostril is dry with notes of sawdust, wooden oil, and new leather-based. Because it opens, reduce grass, lemon peel, and wintergreen arrive with a measured sweetness. The palate showcases pronounced rye spice with an preliminary wave of candy darkish berry and licorice that builds with peppery depth right into a midpalate of clove and pine sap. There’s a pleasant lacing of shiny mint all through which once more provides a welcome sweetness, particularly as soon as the end arrives with piquant oak tones, dried herbs, and peppercorn. Undoubtedly a rye for followers of the dry, peppery fashion. 115.7 proof. B+ / $90
Barrell Basis Bourbon 5 Years Previous
$55
