Tastes

The name certainly got my attention, but I really have no idea how it's supposed to relate to the flavors in here. The apricot brandy flavor dominates completely, in a good way. It drinks pretty hot, as most Barrell blends do. Tastes great, but a little too sweet to drink frequently or have multiple glasses.

I love Maker's 46, but surprisingly not a big fan of this one. The 46 flavors are there, but the extra proof oddly doesn't really boost any of those flavors and only adds heat. There is a rough finish that leaves a burnt wood taste on my palette (reminiscent of the finish on Blackened), that I'm not enjoying. The BRT-02 tastes more like what I envisioned a cask version of 46 would taste like.

Tastes like 46 on steroids. Good stuff.

So dang good. I'm not a big fan of peated whiskeys, but this one is delicious. I've had Laphroaig, Talisker, and Ardbeg, and while I don't hate them, they always had a bit too much going on in addition to the peat smoke flavor (like brine, mineral, medicinal, iodine taste) that was a bit off-putting to me. This cuts all those extra flavors out for the most part and just delivers some nice smokey flavor that mellows out into a long warm finish.

From my understanding this is really a testing ground whiskey for Bruichladdich, as each batch is vastly different than the next due to using different blends and barrels (you can look up the recipe using the code on the bottle which is awesome). This makes it a bit awkward to have "classic" in the name, as it implies consistency and a notable flavor profile that represents the brand. I absolutely loved the first bottle I bought of this and was super excited to get another. Unfortunately the second was...not to my liking, to put it politely. Sadly the experimental nature of this product line is both a blessing and a curse, and due to the price point I just don't see myself trying multiple bottles to get that first bottle experience again.

I am not a rye whiskey fan and was recommended this in that context. As far as rye goes I actually do like this one. It does have the herbal flavors of a rye, but more on the pine side as opposed to lavender or eucalyptus. There is definitely some strong oak flavor in there as well, which sometimes comes across as a burger char flavor. Only thing I don't like about this one is that occasionally I get a flavor that I can only describe as astringent / bitter that throws me off a bit. Overall a unique rye whiskey that even a none rye fan can appreciate.

Similar flavors to Four Roses Single Barrel, Maker's Mark 46, and Russell's Reserve 10 Year, but has a wild cherry note in there that makes it a bit unique. Honestly reminds me of a wild cherry Slurpee from 7-11, in a good way.