Barrell Bourbon Batch 015

I received an unlabeled sample from a friend. Glass: Glencairn, rested for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Vanilla and caramel with a light floral scent. Palate: Cinnamon, clove, baking spice. Finish: Medium heat that persists. Added Water: A dry oak note appears. Overall: 9/10 - This seems quite standard until the finish, which is incredibly long-lasting. Considering the finish and the oak, this spirit has some age and alcohol content.

The nose offers notes of dried fruit and banana. Pleasant flavors of soft vanilla and toasted oak are present. It drinks at 107 proof. Fleeting hints of Dickel flintstones vitamins appear and disappear softly, not detracting from this being a nice pour. The finish is nice with oak that lingers on the palate for a minute or longer. Score 3.75, potentially 4. Not the absolute best example of the brand, but a solid offering.

Nose: candied nuts, peppercorn, oak Palate: rich, baking spices, hints of gingerbread and candy apple Finish: medium warmth but not overly hot, very well-balanced Fans of Elmer T Lee, Very Old Barton, Russell’s Reserve, or Old Grandad might really like this. A few drops of water mellow the spicier rye notes while preserving most of the other characteristics.

Nose: The ethanol is more prominent than I anticipated for a pricey blended bourbon. Hints of corn, mild oak, and earthiness. Palate: It tastes soapy and briny, with bitterness that masks the typical bourbon flavors. Finish: This part is the best of the three, offering some sweetness and less bitterness towards the end. This bottle somehow deteriorated over time. It's definitely not the finest batch of Barrell Bourbon.

Nose: Earthy notes from the malted barley, which is unusual for a bourbon but not unpleasant. Subtle popcorn hints. Some oak is present. Palate: Moderately rich, yet it feels lighter on the palate (low oil content). It's spicier than the nose suggests, with citrus and rye notes. Finish: Medium length, with more rye and a slight cola flavor.

The nose presents classic old man bourbon characteristics, with brown sugar and leather. The palate is smooth, with spice that emerges later. It has a good, even creamy, mouthfeel, but the flavors are light. The leather note persists. A slight bitterness remains. 5/20/18