Barrell Bourbon Batch 014

I've had this bottle for a while. I've heard conflicting opinions about this distillery, and while many people have said some batches are considerably better than others, they generally seem to be respected for their business approach. It's commendable to build a brand by combining quality existing spirits to create a good product, cover expenses first, and then start distilling your own later. I'm hoping batch 14 lives up to expectations! I detect cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg on the aroma. It smells promising. The mouthfeel is intensely sweet. I get milk chocolate, sweet tarts, candy-coated chocolates, and powdered sugar. The finish is gentle in texture considering the alcohol content, but still carries spice in its flavor. Cinnamon, a touch of black pepper. I'm not sure if batch 14 is considered a success or a failure overall, but I like it. It's as if someone took some spirits from one producer and swapped out the nutty notes for the tartness found in many products from another. In fact, I think my next drink will be a mix of two different bourbons. Don't give me that look. It's for research. It will be interesting to see what these producers create when they use their own distilled spirits. It will likely be something completely different from this, but they've gained a new admirer today. They know how to blend. Postscript: My conviction about my theory regarding the blend was so strong that I tried it before finishing this write-up. I was close, but not quite right. My combination is far too nutty compared to this batch. I believe my assessment of one of the components is correct. I will likely try this again, with something that is genuinely rich in chocolate flavor without introducing nuttiness. I'm thinking next will be either a specific flavored bourbon or a higher-proof offering from another brand.

Discovered this older batch this afternoon at a remote liquor store, driven by my COVID-19 induced boredom reaching a peak only a premium Bourbon could satisfy. I had previously noted Batch 014 on a shelf at a HyVee in Illinois some time ago but opted for a bottle of the highly acclaimed Batch 011 instead, which was hidden behind two bottles of 014 (a score!). The 011 remains unopened for a future special occasion (as does my 021 - bragging), but among all the batches I've sampled or opened, 017 has been my favorite. Batch 014 ranks a close second, offering a pleasing balance of sweetness and minerality attributed to the Dickel component in the blend. While some find the vitamin-like mineral note unpleasant, I find it largely subdued and it complements the sweet fruit and baking spice notes that are prominent in 014. The 109.4 proof is ideal and makes for a nearly perfect after-dinner drink. Naturally, I couldn't wait for dinner to open this, needing immediate stay-at-home gratification, so thanks to Barrell Craft Spirits and Batch 014... I'm feeling much better now 👌.

Having kept this bottle for some time, I decided to pour a measure tonight. This is an outstanding bourbon! It presents a classic bourbon aroma. It feels smooth on the tongue with hints of orange and a subtle milk chocolate note at the end. The finish is a very pleasant oak without much spice, yet it has lasting presence. This whiskey is highly balanced and possesses character worth revisiting. I may have underestimated this delightful spirit.

Received an unrevealed sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, allowed to sit for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Caramel, vanilla, with a touch of peanut dust. Palate: Baking spice and dry oak. Finish: Extended and warm with a sweet clove note. Splash: No new tastes appear, but the clove becomes more noticeable. Overall: 8/10 - The oak and the extended finish offer clues about the proof and age. It's good, but not the best I've encountered.

The aroma has a slight sting. Apples, caramel, and clean laundry scents. Very nutty on the tongue, like peanut brittle with a dark chocolate-covered mint. Perhaps a hint of ginger snap too. Towards the end, there's a mild astringency with a woody, sharp note. A pleasant warmth as it goes down, with a lasting sensation. 3/25/18

A small sample was given to me during a tasting event at a local shop that was raffling off a Pappy 20. Positive news: this is excellent. Priced around $80. Strong notes of cherry cola, butterscotch, and vanilla. Negative news: I did not win the Pappy.