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A first pour review of Barrell Whiskey Private Release DJX2 Finished in a Ruby Port Barrel. Oh, it's delectable!
Rating: 85
| Nose |
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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| Value |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 84
Barrell Whiskey Private Release DJX2 Blend's aroma is initially remarkably fruity, leaning towards a cherry spice potpourri. Subtle cinnamon notes blend wonderfully with the cherry, accompanied by mild vanilla cream. This is a beautifully unique nosing experience. Wow, the cherry is now very prominent as I go deeper. Every time I put the glass down for a while and return to nosing it, the cherry smacks me in the face. The ethanol is always there but doesn't hinder the creamy fruit notes.
Palate Review - Rating: 87
On the palate of Barrell Whiskey Private Release Blend DJX2, you feel the 123.9 Proof ethanol on that first sip. However, it is accompanied by full flavor. Once again, the cherry from the Ruby Port finish is distinguished and blends beautifully with buttercream notes and dense flavor. The notes are accompanied by a somewhat oily mouthfeel too. I do not usually experience this oiliness in non-bourbon whiskeys, but it's present here as in many Barrell whiskeys. Strangely, the ethanol quickly subsides, and DJX2 becomes a dangerously easy-to-drink whiskey. Caramel, baking spices, and some cigar notes make themselves known down the road. This is one of the best private releases I've had from Barrell. It helps that this release is on the sweeter side, which I favor. The whiskey purist might say Blend DJX2 is a little one-dimensional, and they may be correct. But it sure tastes good. More balance would have sent this into the stratosphere.
Finish Review - Rating: 87
The finish is hot and long, and the cherry spice is still present but is now accompanied by white pepper, cloves, malted chocolate, and some tobacco ash. I cannot believe how long the flavor notes last. Wow!
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 88
I have experienced many port finished whiskeys, but this is one of the most flavorful.
Value Review - Rating: 79
At $109.99 it's hard to say Barrell Private Release Whiskey DJX2 is a great buy. But, I will buy it anyway since this was only a sample provided by Barrell Craft Spirits.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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