This is a first-pour review of 2022 Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label Bourbon, a release that leans heavily into the darker, more mature side of bourbon. From fleeting bursts of berries to aged oak, leather, spice, and dark chocolate, this is a whiskey that changes noticeably as you spend time with it.
Nose
Initially, there was a burst of rich berry notes, but they faded quickly, settling into cinnamon, soft honey, vanilla, and a gentle Lincoln County Process funk. After a few sips, those wonderful berry notes returned.
Palate
Leathery, with aged oak and heavy spice. There's a pleasant bit of heat that drinks above its 100.58 proof. I took a larger sip and let it fully coat my tongue. It's dark and rich, with a touch of woodiness and medicinal mint, a hint of dusty character, sooty dark chocolate, leather, and plenty of oak.
Finish
Slightly tannic with musty oak. Dry, yet sultry. Dark chocolate powder mingles with woody notes, bringing the experience to a satisfying close.
Conclusion
The 2022 Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label Bourbon is a dark, oak-driven whiskey with plenty of mature character. The combination of leather, spice, dusty dark chocolate, and musty oak won’t necessarily appeal to those looking for a sweeter bourbon, but for drinkers who appreciate an older, woodier profile with a seeming Lincoln County Process nature, there’s a lot to enjoy here. As this review showed, even the brighter berry notes find their way back into the glass, giving the whiskey just enough contrast to keep things interesting.