Barrell Bourbon Batch 014

Found this older batch at an out-of-the-way liquor store this afternoon when my COVID-19 induced boredom hit a new high that only a premium Bourbon could remedy. I saw Batch 014 on the shelf at a HyVee grocery store in Illinois quite some time ago, but passed on it in favor of a bottle of the highly awarded Batch 011 tucked away behind 2 bottles of the 014 (score!). The 011 is still unopened for a coming-soon special occasion (as is my 021 - bragging), but of all the batches I’ve tasted or opened so far, 017 has been my favorite. The 014 comes in at a close 2nd with a nice balance of sweetness and mineral thanks to the Dickel juice in the blend. Some find the vitamin-like mineral note off-putting, but I find that it is mostly restrained, and plays very well against the sweet fruit and baking spice notes that are dominant in 014. The proof is perfect at 109.4 and makes for a near perfect after dinner dram. Of course, I couldn’t wait for dinner to open this as I need immediate stay-at-home gratification, so thank you Barrell Craft Spirits and Batch 014....feeling much better now 👌.

I have had this bottle for a while and decided to pour a dram (or two) tonight. This is a terrific bourbon! A quintessential bourbon nose. It is smooth on the tongue with orange notes and a subtle milk chocolate treat at the end. The finish is very pleasant oak without much spice and yet it has staying power. This whiskey is very balanced and yet has character worth revisiting. I may have underrated this delightful spirit.

Corn. Vanilla. Wood. Alcohol. It’s a bourbon.