PBMichiganWolverine
Barrell Bourbon Batch 019
Bourbon — (bottled in) Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
January 31, 2020 (edited May 13, 2022)
After last week’s damn good Barrell rum, I figured I’ll have a go at another Barrell product tonight—-this one also courtesy of @jonwilkinson7309.
Barrell has really been hitting all strides. It has innovative products like Dovetail, higher end ones like their 25 yr old, and expansions into rum. All done really well. But their core bread and butter is still the bourbon blends. Apart from their 3 high end products, all of their lineup is priced around $90. That places it square in the middle of most upper end whiskeys. But I think what sets it apart is the consistent quality batch to batch. And for me personally, I don’t find these too hot, as opposed to Booker’s, which I need to always overload with ice.
A blend of 9.5 and 14 yr olds, from KY and TN, it’s a more of a high rye bourbon with a classic high proof taste and a slight barrel char. The nose is the best part in this: candied nuts and marshmallow.
Another hit from Barrell. If you’re a fan of classic old school bourbon, this has got to be on your list.
Thanks Jon for the pour !
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@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington I think you’re right—-I’d say the KY is Wild Turkey, Barron, or Beam. Those probably make the most as well for independent blenders
Where would you guess the KY juice is sourced from? If I had to guess I’d say wild turkey (spice profile, lack of peanut or tobacco that I associate with Beam or BT) with heaven hill or Barton being other contenders. Seems like most of their TN stuff has come from Dickle, which might be the source of the char and butter.
@jonwilkinson7309 check out the barrel and bottled date. From what the store owner told me is that the store picks range anywhere from 9-15 yr.
@PBMichiganWolverine. Wow! I wasn't really aware that Knob Creek was doing single barrels like that. I just checked online, and our state liquor store is apparently selling about a dozen different Knob Creek single barrels at the same proof. No idea of they are of a similar age, but I'm going to have to check it out.
@PBMichiganWolverine awesome. Those store picks can be really tasty!
@jonwilkinson7309 @dubz480 you guys might appreciate this: I just got a store pick ( Adelphia wine ) Knob Creek 15 yr ( Barreled 10/2004, bottled 8/2019), floor 6 of 8, 120proof CS, for $50. Will send over a pour—Going to pop it open this eve.
@Soba45 yeah these guys have kept pricing the same as well...so far.
@jonwilkinson7309 what I really also like about these guys is that each batch is truly different. Different recipes, different ages. I’ve yet to try Barrell store picks , which are the older 14 yr single cask ones—-supposedly those are amazing
Nice to see great IB offerings at not stupid pricing!
Glad you enjoyed it! I liked this one as well, and I have yet to be disappointed with Barrell's bourbon offerings. I agree with you about Booker's. The only Booker's I've had that wasn't a fireball was Country Ham. I just started the book "Proof: The Science of Booze"; perhaps it will offer an explanation as to why the burn is not always commensurate with the ABV.