Barrell Bourbon Batch 031

The neck pour had serious spice. Like cayenne pepper on the finish kind of spice. A little air balances it—the spice is still there, and strong, but the brown sugar/vanilla notes of good bourbon become more prominent. If “smooth” is your jam it’s not likely to be in your wheelhouse, but I’m a rye fan, so this is really appealing for me. I’ve enjoyed Barrell finished ryes (Dovetail, Seagrass) before, but this will get me looking for their bourbon batches too.

Nose: pine needles clove dandelions wet leaves Taste: Raspberry vanilla moving into a Spivey clove cinnamon and tabbaco Finish: a nice aged oak. Not bitter wood but nicely refined

Quite oak driven on the nose, with nutty and creamy notes. The flavor is fruit forward, with a mincemeat pie spicy-sweetness. Rich, elegant and very drinkable. At the finish line, there is a lasting impression of pepper, and some char; but all ends well on a sweet note similar to a house-made grenadine. As with each of the Barrell Bourbons we’ve reviewed, this is another lovely addition to their portfolio or numbered releases.