Barrell Dovetail (122.9 Proof)

I’ve considered picking this up for some time, but was able to get a sample, and glad I did before buying. What I like about the Seagrass is that I can taste a bit of all of the secondary finishes, and they all play well with the rye. In this one, it seems like the balance is off, as the rum influence overpowers the other finishes. I have played with adding a little rum to some of my whiskies as a poor man’s take on rum-finished whiskey, and I’ve noticed that it takes very little to significantly change the experience. I have enjoyed this sample, but I don’t think I’ll be a buyer.

High proof

2,478 Bottles, 62.17% Abv Nose: Warm sugar cane sweetness. Some rum funk. Not really finding any red fruits. Vanillas and caramel. Palate: Good mouthfeel. Sweet and spicy. It's a sweet note I've not found in a bourbon. The only familiar tasting note is vanilla. Finish: Medium finish with a good amount of syrupy sweetness that settled nicey on the tongue. Overall the rum casks in this dram throw me off a little bit.

Carmel. Alcohol finish

* Nose - Plums, figs, and raisin… assorted dried red fruit is perfectly balanced on the nose. Cinnamon and spice behind it. There’s definite traces of ethanol that you’d expect at this high proof, but it doesn’t overpower the nose like you’d expect/worry. Going back after it’s sit a few minutes brings some sweet bread and vanilla pudding. * Taste - First sip is stunning. Cinnamon, dried fruit, and a bright blast of vanilla. Sweet bread, spice cake, and anise on the back of the palate come through strong later on. I can’t place it exactly, but it’s delightful. One of the most beautifully complex whiskeys I’ve ever tasted. * Finish - Long and powerful. I never understood the “Kentucky Hug” so much until I tasted this. The taste lingers and warms your chest. Oh, this is just a lovely winter bourbon. * Uniqueness - Barrell comes up with some of the most unique and finely-crafted whiskey blends in the game right now, and it shows that they’re masters of the craft. A whiskey blend finished in rum barrels, port pipes, and Cabernet casks and becomes… this? Amazing. * Value - I was able to snag this on sale ($75) and I may go back and get a second to save for later. $85 for a bottle is steep for me, but… this is probably the most unique, different, and delicious whiskey I may have tasted in my relatively young bourbon/whiskey journey. (MSRP $85)