Barrell Armida

Another day another Barrell.... the master blenders are at it again with a bottle that just sounds delicious... whiskey, rum, brandy, and why not throw in a specialty Sicilian liquor for kicks? Let's see how this little Frankenstein drinks. Nose is not whiskey on this one. Rum yes... brandy yes... whiskey wherefore art thou? I am half expecting this to taste like a Captain Morgan, but let's hope for better... First sip is redeeming. There is defintely heavy rum sweetness on the front end. The middle brings hints of raisin from the brandy and this seems to carry into the finish. There is a pleasant light cinnamon burn at the tail. The end leaves a bit of an apricot taste that isn't really working for me. Overall, this is just ok. At this bottle price ok doesn't really cut it. This one doesn't hold up to the Barrell standard in my book. There are so many great Barrell bottles that I suggest you leave this one on the shelf unless you really enjoy experimental finishes. In that case grab one and enjoy the journey.

Nothing but pear on the nose. Drinks very fruity and like flowers. The barre strength definitely makes these flavors stand out. A little expensive but love the uniqueness of this ‘bourbon’.

Gin-like floral and fruit notes, definitely pear

This layered and complex bourbon style whiskey shows off lighter fruit notes of pear, peach, and apricot. It remains exceedingly smooth and balanced throughout.

Bought this at the recommendation of the store manager. Nose is fruity, sweet, and oddly plastic-like. The first flavor to hit the palate is hard to describe, very unique, brandy forward. Quickly dissipates to cherry pie, very sweet. Finishes with cough syrup and heat in the chest. This is over the top sweet. It does not improve. Tried using it in mixed drinks and it ruins the drink. Not good. I have to wonder if I got a comprised bottle, perhaps the cork affected it. I've had a few people try it, no one likes it.

This is a great whiskey. Bourbon purists will turn a cheek, but the finishes on the bourbons that make up this blend give it a unique character. A slightly sweet nose teases what's to come. The pear brandy is right up front and sweetened by the rum cask, giving it a pear candy flavor, balanced by the herbal notes of the amaro cask. This is a sipper and a thinker. Don't expect to get your money's worth by pouring this over ice and tossing it back on a hot summer day - although the light fruitiness and lack of bold oak and spice notes you expect from bourbon make that a distinct possibility, I think this is better consumed served neat on a cool evening with the smell of an afternoon rain in the air.

Yeah, I’d drink it if someone offered and it were free... otherwise... pass.

Takes about 10% cold water to smooth out. Very subtle notes. Good for an impressive small oz. pour occasionally. Likely will last in my bar awhile.

Tonight I'm trying another sample from Barrel Craft Spirits, Armida. This one is definitely different. Very heavy on the citrus front with a creamcicle flavor. The finish is a little nutty with a rye spice and a subtle pear rummyish flavor. I like this one quite a bit too. It definitely doesn't have a standard bourbon profile. Nice and smooth for a cask strength. It reminds me a little bit of brandy.