Barrell Vantage

Rich, mouth coating, but one dimensional

Nose: peaches, cinnamon, graham cracker, slight baking spice Taste: reflects the taste with caramel and butterscotch A must try for whiskey collectors

The nose starts with a mix of orange creamsicle, charred pineapple, sandalwood and leather then light florals along with roasted macadamia nuts and cocoa nibs followed by anise spiced baked pears, cherries jubilee and chalk candy that transitions to spearmint, light baking spices, pipe tobacco and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy orchard fruit, charred pineapple, sandalwood and leather then a moderate spice that slowly fades to light florals along with toasted marshmallow and espresso followed by anise spiced baked pears, maraschino cherries and chalky orange sports drink that transitions to spearmint, light baking spices, pipe tobacco and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with chalky orange sports drink, cherry cough drops, sandalwood, toasted marshmallow, espresso, spearmint and polished oak. This is a delightful and unique bourbon that the finishing in Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks has added some toasted flavors along with light florals and sandalwood that works in balance of those traditional bourbon flavors without one overpowering the other and is far less oaky than I feared. There are some minor sour elements to it that detract from the experience along with a higher bitter spice than I prefer on the taste, but overall, it’s a really fun creation from Barrell and one I’d be happy to drink anytime. At the price tag of $90 around me, I think this is priced fairly and worthy of a purchase for anyone that’s looking to try a different take on the traditional bourbon profile.

If you like a sweet spicy whiskey this is for you. Tart apples and sweet red fruits. Nice heat on the backend with a long finish.