Barrell Armida

Nose - black cherry, orange vitamin, lemon, allspice, grass, cardamom, banana, pear, yeast, chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla, dry oak, brown sugar, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - butterscotch, dry herbal notes, cherry, orange vitamin, vanilla, spiced apple, brown sugar, pear, dry oak, allspice, allspice, chocolate, hazelnut, moderate alcohol bite, finishing medium length with butterscotch, dry oak, and herbal flavors. Next up on the Barrell train is the Armida release. This is one funky bourbon! The first thing notice is that Dickel orange vitamin note. I don’t hate the Dickel profile as much as some, but I don’t love it either. I can’t make out all the finishes on the nose, but the rum influence is pretty obvious from the banana, allspice, and grassy qualities. The palate is surprisingly dry and earthy. The Dickel is right there again alongside some powdery nuttiness. Overall this is good, but I wish it weren’t as dry and herbaceous. I’m thinking they went a bit overboard with the finishing. There’s some quality whiskey underneath, but it feels slightly rudderless. Regardless, this is very drinkable, and it’s certainly a unique take on bourbon that I’m happy to experience. A big thank you to @jonwilkinson7309 for providing the generous sample!

Bottle # 4739 Pear brandy, toasted coconut, and vanilla in the aroma. Pear and brandy, with more toasted coconut and a good hit of booze. Really a pretty delicious bottle.

Very sweet and light.

The apricot brandy dominates the nose, Amaro the palate. It's definitely worth trying, but I'd agree with the apparent consensus that the other Barrell core offerings are better.

Huge influence from the rum cask finish… notes of apricot, sugar, molasses on the palate. Nice bourbon overall.

Spice, pear for sure

My least favorite Barrell. Too much like perfume.

Really spicy, like a rye. Some hints of cinnamon, slightly fruity, red hots. Heat on front of tongue. Could see it making a decent cocktail. Not a fan straight.