Barrell Dovetail (124.7 Proof)

It’s like Angels Envy Rye and Whistle Pig Old World had a child.

So, wow. I have found my favorite and it comes from Barrell Craft Spirits. Their Dovetail offering is amazing. It starts with a sweet molasses and dark cherry flavor that gives way to a stronger spice and oak char followed up with toasted marshmallow. I am loving the long spicey finish. Outstanding.

You can definitely taste the barrels they were aged in. At 123 proof it’s pretty heavy duty though and the burn kind of takes over. Definitely a sipper.

Nose: Vanilla and cherry swirled together like a halls breezer, rye spice, leather, honey (could be the vanilla sweetness), hazelnut, slight cola to it, maybe some herbal qualities. Smells delicious, but if you're not ready for it, the spice punches your nostrils. Palate: rye spiciness, that vanilla/cherry halls breezer, cinnamon, peanut, sweet, butterscotch, a tad bit of smoke Finish: seems spicier than the proofs, lips are tingly, slight dryness, not much taste, kinda plastic or rubbery, minimal sweetness. Increasing peaty finish the longer you wait between sips. 88/100 - Always on my shelf - For the neck pour. Finish is disappointing, but the nose and palate are fantastic. Would be interested in adding a couple drops of water or putting it on ice to see how it impacts the rye spicyness

Nose: Leather, Dark Fruit, Rich, Herbal Taste: Molasses, Spice, Herbal Finish: Mid to long, floral, eucalyptus. Syrupy in a good way

Another day another Barrell... every time a new Barrell label hits the shelf in my local shop I say I am not going to get sucked in, but who am I kidding? Barrell has become a favorite of mine and I have yet to be disappointed despite the somewhat high standard price point. Nose on this is truly a treat. Some nice base vanilla, but swirls of the rum and port casks create an enticing preface to the dram. First sip is so damn good! This is like drinking Halloween... starts with those little cinnamon red hots, some lovely caramel comes rolling in, followed by some red berry gummies. The pour closes with a soft cinnamon caramel apple sweet burn that slowly fades. There is quite a bit going on here and it is pretty special. This will not be everyone's idea of whiskey perfection, but it comes pretty close for me. This may be the best Barrell I have had so far and that says a lot. Don't let this one sit on the shelf if you see it. You will thank me later.

Amazingly smooth for 124 proof. Very easy to drink.