Barrell Bourbon Batch 017

A prominent nose of caramel spiced cake and rum-soaked raisins leads this, with some ethanol vapors. It's not quite as refined as some well-regarded older spirits, but it's rich and appealing, somewhat reminiscent of Booker's or ECBP. Its color is a lighter amber than I anticipated and it leaves nice small droplets coating the glass. On the front end, delicious dark brown sugars lead the way, followed by a strong, rich currant-rum note. The dried fruits are also noticeable as it tapers off smoothly with some vanilla-cola nut characteristics. This is a very good representation of some seriously well-aged bourbon barrels. Some classic barrel notes, reminiscent of Heaven Hill or Suntory-Beam, are just barely perceptible, but I detect very little in the way of wood or tobacco. The finish is light and smooth, possessing a quality usually found only in well-aged spirits above 100 proof. This is truly "the good stuff," a superb rendition and a reminder of high-proof classics. I managed to acquire this bottle from a store I frequent at a price significantly below MSRP, as these bottles typically retail for $80 or more in my region. Yes, I would say it's easily worth it, though I can understand differing opinions on that matter. Comparisons to Booker's, EHTaylor, and similar at that price point are one reason I can see varied viewpoints, but if you find it for under $70, you should definitely buy it and certainly have a taste at your local bar. Kudos to the Barrell Bourbon Team for this batch.

Nose: Pecan pie, abundant vanilla beans, caramel apples, and leather. Palate: Pecan pie with whipped cream, pralines, vanilla, and buttery pancakes. Finish: Creamy mocha, pecans, and leather, with baking spices and a hint of pepper. This whiskey consistently evokes pecan pie. It's quite sweet with pleasant candied notes and just a touch of spice at the end. I'd wager the Kentucky component is from Heaven Hill, given the "nutty" praline quality found in their lower-tier products, which also appears in some of their higher-end offerings.

The nose has a yeasty, doughy scent with mild spice and some apricot, which seems common with this brand. The palate features robust raisin bread, oak, vanilla, and cinnamon sugar, not at all experimental. The apricot is also present, reminding me of hot cross buns my mom made. The finish is tannic, nutty, and spicy – the weakest part of the sip, but it doesn't taste like ash. Regarding the professional review, this is nowhere near an oak-heavy bourbon. This app seems to consistently underrate this brand; perhaps they aren't paying enough. 💸 Considering I tried several newer releases from this brand before finding this one, I'm surprised by its classic profile. However, it's a classic profile with high proof. Very good.

Incredible Bourbon... I could happily consume only this forever without regret. It presents fantastic, classic Bourbon characteristics with a richness and sophistication that is simply sublime. A truly immense and deep flavor explosion, as one might expect from a high-end Bourbon, with no discernible flaws in my opinion (I don't understand the critique from the 'Experts' - I know tannins and this is a well-balanced, mature Bourbon, not a harsh, tannic spirit with a 77 rating). The team at Barrell truly knows their craft, and this expression excels. Eager to sample my Batch 011 and 018 bottles soon.

A faint ethanol smell on the nose (low for its proof) gives way to apple, other fruits, wood, and noticeable spice (unsure of the rye content). After swirling, more sweetness appears. The flavor highlights the spice in an excellent way. Oak char, more fruit, and some brown sugar are also detected. The finish remains spicy with some warmth, but it's manageable for the proof. Adding water doesn't significantly change it, nor does it detract. A nice pour, though I might expect a bit more for the price, but it's a quality whiskey.

Nose: A hint of orange/lemon citrus on the nose before revealing vanilla and peanuts. Palate: A little heat initially, then cinnamon, a touch of clove, apple pie, and some citrus. Finish: A slight Kentucky hug, where the orange seems most prominent. Overall: Solid product.