Barrell Bourbon Batch 20 Review

Expert Rating: 86 Ratings Key

Distillery Tasting Notes

Made by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC ~ Barrell Craft Spirits

Sweet but not excessively oaky, this bourbon opens fruity and softly spiced while a floral side builds over time. Its flavor is focused but complex, with notes of Oolong tea and forest floor leading to a finish of punchy fruits and racy minerality.

Additional Notes

Neat Appearance: Light amber maple syrup with a burnt sienna core. Nose: Opens sweetly, showcasing butterscotch, and hazelnut liqueur alongside deeply hued fruity notes of brandy, montmorency cherry, and black currant. With time the nose is lifted by lighter fruits -- pears poached in spiced wine and mirabelle plum; as well as by myriad flowers -- rose, cherry blossom, and hibiscus. Soft, woody spices in the form of star anise, and cedar lend balance while the whole is given depth by a surprising savory side, showcasing pain levain, cultured butter, toasted sesame and enoki mushroom. Palate: Delivers much of the sweetness of oak without tasting particularly oaky; opening on honey, nougat, nocino, and salmiak. It seems almost roasted, tasting of espresso and charcoal pencil, before notes of oolong tea and forest floor reveal its depth. Finish: Quite intense, with an array of fruits, particularly cranberry and kumquat, enlivened by a mineral signature of salt, graphite, rock pools and mastic. It fades gently on an assortment of spices, aniseed, licorice, cocoa nib, and hyssop.

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