Barrell Dovetail (122.9 Proof)

Although a bit pricey this is one of the most pleasantly aromatic whiskeys I’ve ever had. The high proof is hidden behind the smoothness. Delicious whiskey!

This sample is provided courtesy of @PBMichiganWolverine. Thank you! Sample rating: +6.5 That's an amazing score for a whiskey around 80 USD. 5 stars! Admission: I am biased against NAS whiskies. They show a lack of confidence and a marketing corruption in the distillery. I am biased against bourbons. Bourbon lovers just want a Kentucky hug. Sorry y'all. A hug lacks complexity. If I were to drive a whisky distribution truck, these NAS bourbons would be at the back of the truck. This whiskey gets bonus points for rising above my bigotry. This is a bourbon that has seen rum, port, and cab savignon barrels. This sounds like some serious experimentation, and they are either out to save money, or out to create something truly delicious. It is the latter with this one. I am blown away by the nose and the palate. This is dominated by sweetness, but it is very complex. There's raisins and molasses, somehow working together. There is nice viscosity, and just the right amount of cherry oakiness. I prefer this neat, and this is far smoother than its >60% ABV suggests. I am buying a bottle of this for sure. For reference, I would rate Pappy 15 at around +5-5.5. This is clearly better.

Really tasty blend, happy to have had the chance to try it.

This "whiskey" is something different. Great pour after opening, intriguing fruity finish. Will update after it's gotten some air.

Feels like distillers reviews of Barrell products lately have all been very low. While I don’t love all Barrell products this was one of the truly great new whiskeys in 2018. It really stood out from the crowd to me. Had first at whiskey in the winter a whiskey festival in St. Louis and it was the one thing that really stood out in my memory that night. Upon getting a bottle later on my memory was spot on. It’s great stuff. Pull the trigger if you get a chance