Tastes

Another surprisingly complex and unique offering from Barrell. Dried apricot comes through big time on the nose. The classic rye spice is evident at first on the palate, then it has unique notes of dried apricot on the mid palate, and then hits you with a wild Madeira butterscotch rum finish. Somehow Barrell made this all work in what is an outstandingly unique cask strength rye. It’s like sipping dried apricots soaked in cask strength rye with an aged rum chaser. Wow!

Warm and rich upfront with a complex full body mouthfeel. Extremely well made and packed full of complex tasting notes. Rich nose of toasted smoothness. For those that love big, rich, flavor jammed bourbons this is the perfect sipper. For 127.9 proof it has a very little alcohol burn and a rich charred oaky smoothness. I loved it.

Soft and smooth with a long port like sweet finish. Underwhelming at the first, it’s grows on you sip by sip. Uber approachable it’s a great bottle to share with new bourbon drinkers.

Taste like they doused a hay field with petroleum lit it on fire, then blended up the burnt hay in a Vitamix. Yes, that bad. We did a blind bourbon tasting and this was one of the most expensive bottles and it was the only one no one take home. Only aged two years it doesn’t seem ready to drink. Some VA distilleries bottle before it’s ready and it’s a shame because it’s undrinkable. Adding review so others know to avoid, or at least sample before buying. Guaranteed you won’t buy after sampling.

My favorite lower proof bourbon. At only 90.4 proof it’s rich, smooth, and okay without tasting charred. Rich caramel notes with loads of vanilla. Surprisingly dark Carmel color for a 90 proof. Wonderful nose and perfect acidity pulls you back in for another sip. Crowd pleaser it makes a wonderful gift, currently my favorite every day sipping bourbon.

Soft, easy drinking bourbon. Perfect for those getting into bourbon and want something without bite. For those that like higher proof bourbons it will taste watered down, which it is at only 80 proof. Drinks like a bourbon on ice. Good for hot sunny days or when you want a lower alcohol bourbon.