Barrell Bourbon Batch 019

Simply outstanding stuff...a very distinctive flavor with notes of chocolate and dark fruits according to my palette. I have six other Barrell products which are all excellent, but the 019 remains my favorite.

Solid vanilla and warmth on the nose. Clean finish with a smooth close.

Taste: Neat in Glen Cairn, 2 oz. Nose: (4.75) Fruit for days, like blackberries, ripe plums, all stewed in warm fresh churned butter. It is an incredibly clean nose that was easy for me to discern. There was a grapiness to this that was really interesting. Palate: (4.75) Sweet, rich. best described as melted butter, grape jam, over warm homemade biscuits. Some might find this too sweet. I found it pleasantly digestif. Finish (4.75) : Long lasting and pleasantly warming. Lingers and coats the back palate like sucking on a grape jolly rancher. That butteriness gives a wonderful mouthfeel. Overall: Initially anything Barrell made me suspect. Blending 9.5 and 12 year sourced Tennessee whiskey and sourced Kentucky bourbon seemed like a strange Frankenstien experiment to which I was not akin to investing $80.00 without trying first. A work friend brought me a sample and man was he dead on on how good this is. The quality is there and I definately now want a bottle . I also am not afraid to try Dovetail which is an experiment in Rye and Bourbon mixing. something that if done right (i.e. Forgiven,Bourye to name a few) is right in my wheelhouse. Enjoy the jammy goodness with this one!

Benedictine, initially hot. Couple drops of water, cut the heat, more earthy lemon. some nice spice