So, it’s National Bourbon Day, so a bourbon it shall be. Barrel has not been a whiskey I have experienced but thanks to @PBMichiganWolverine that will no longer hold true. This one holds is bottled at cask strength, packing some weight behind it at 123 proof. A rusted amber colored spirit fills the glass. Once the alcohol fumes begin to dissipate, there is a bright, cereal, sugary, fruity sweetness. Buttered whole wheat toast, cornbread with maple syrup provide the foundation of the aromas. Rum, vanilla, toasted marshmallows and dark brown sugar provides the aromatic sweetness. Mashed bananas, apples, red grape skins, black cherries join in and provide the fruity notes. There is an initial punch on the palate by the high proof which begins to desensitize. Once the palate falls back into balance, a sweetness takes hold, but not overtly so. A velvety, creamy texture delivers vanilla, dark honey and caramel. The rum is detectable and adds to the sweetness. Chocolate covered strawberries, raspberries and raisins fruitiness comes through in mid palate. At the fade towards the finish, a good balance of baking spices take root: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg. The final swirl of sweetness and spice deliver the finish. The grape fruitiness makes its presence in the finish. Grape jam with added sugar, like grape Kool Aid. Cola, charcoal and a woody dryness takes root and rides out to a long and dry palate. A subtle warming takes hold and all is right with the world. An impressive dram. It reminds me somewhat of Jefferson Groth Reserve. The velvety nature I found as the binder of all the flavors and is the quiet player-principal; the fruit, sweetness and spice interplay, balanced within the velvety texture. The high proof is masked, again, in the soft texture. A well crafted spirit with a well balanced aromas and flavors. A wonderful bourbon that is worth the efforts to seek and taste. [92/100][Tasted: 6/14/19]