Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label Seagrass (2022 Release)

Neat. Sample. Intrigued by this release and blessed with whiskey friends who provide samples of unique and limited bottles like this. I am a big fan of the original Seagrass (I have batch 1 when it first came out). That rye was a blend though. It was a blend of KY, Indiana, Tennessee, and Canadian whiskey. This is 100% Canadian which is how it gets the 16 year age statement. So it’s not simply aged up Seagrass, it’s kind of it’s own thing with the same finishing. On the nose, the fact that this is 100% Canadian is apparent. Reminds me a lot of Alberta Premium. Very peppery. The oak is very nice, has more presence than I expected based on the color. It’s this very refreshing wood, like going on a walk in the woods on a nice spring morning. Peaches and cream come to mind, specifically the skin of the peach. The whip cream smell is delightful. Not as much depth from the finishing as the original Seagrass, but what is here is delightful. Probably my favorite Canadian Rye nose, over any Whistle Pig or Alberta Premium. On the taste, mouthfeel is pretty perfect. Oily, creamy, coats, fluffy on the tongue. Delightful texture. On the first sip I like this WAY more than I was expecting honestly. I was skeptical (and still am on the price) but it’s really delicious. The flavor hits the tongue immediately. I am getting so much from it just letting it sit and move on tongue. It’s sweet, it’s peppery. There is an effervescence to it like Sprite. I can feel the wine influence. The oak makes its presence known as well. On the swallow, it escalates and really brings an awesome flavor bomb. Really ramps up the vanilla whip cream and the peaches come roaring through on a wave of sweetness. Doesn’t even present itself as a Rye until the finish. The finish is all oak and rye and pepper. The sweet lingers but takes a back seat for the finale. I could see the finish being considered dry. This is where the 16 year comes at you and it feels like an Oaked Chardonnay. I enjoyed that immensely. I may try to get a bottle of it. I get why they called it Seagrass with the finishing but it really is it’s own thing. Comparing it to the Seagrass does it a disservice because Seagrass on its own is amazing value for what it provides at $80. This isn’t three times better than regular Seagrass and it doesn’t blow Seagrass away. But I think it’s one of the best high aged Ryes I have had. The finishing adds sweetness and flavor that balanced out that delicious oak (that would probably dominate and dry you out completely if not finished). I recommend not dismissing this release but approach it as its own thing and not in the shadow of the regular Seagrass.