Barrell Bourbon Batch 009

Pours a clear golden orange with significant legs. The aroma is quite woody, with prominent oak, vanilla, coconut, caramel, rye spice, and a touch of breadiness and minerality. The taste features rich caramel and molasses notes, minerals, and a hint of spice in the mid-palate and finish. It's oaky but not excessively so, which suits my preference perfectly. The mouthfeel is rich and coating, with a pleasant, mellow alcohol warmth and a lingering finish. Overall, this is fantastic, complex, and balanced. It holds its own against my preferred bourbons. Beer Nerd Thoughts: The idea of each batch being distinct (beyond the usual single barrel variation) is intriguing and reflects the growth of craft beer. It's not quite like Tired Hands with their hundreds of unique beers annually, but there's something special about experiencing something you likely won't have again. I haven't tried a beer aged in a George Dickel barrel, but they do exist, though they don't seem common. Some beers only mention being aged in a Tennessee whiskey barrel, which could include Dickel. If this bourbon is any indicator, those barrels would likely work well with beer (though this might be too good to waste on homebrew!).

Aroma: somewhat sweet but with strong ethanol, smoke, leather, dried fruit, and vanilla. Palate: very full-bodied and syrupy. Oak, sweetness, and spice, but very intense! The flavors persist for a considerable time. This is quite good overall. For me, value is also a factor, and this bottle costs $80. I'd opt for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof as it's slightly better overall and less expensive.

Aroma: concentrated caramel, butterscotch, some musty notes. Palate: sweetness (though considerably less than batches 006 and 007), oak, cinnamon, and some medicinal undertones. Medium body. Hints of bitter chocolate and peanuts emerge after a few sips. Long, warm finish that spreads from the mouth to the throat and throughout the midsection. 3/15/17

The aroma offers notes of cinnamon and leather. On the palate, you'll find oak, leather, and toasted nuts. It has a pleasing texture, but the finish is brief and unremarkable, even considering the alcohol content.

Rich and not excessively sweet with a smooth texture. Truly excellent!

Caramel and vanilla