Barrell Bourbon Batch 028

I tried this in a lineup of about 5 other products from the brand blind, and this one came out on top. I decided to give it an individual review. I tasted it neat in a glencairn glass with just a drop of water. Aroma - Vanilla, smoky, with an earthy quality, I detect some oak, a little orange, a dark fruit jam flavor, a nicely complex aroma. Taste - Sweet, with vanilla standing out prominently, perhaps even like vanilla frosting, but it's very well balanced. A good amount of oak and smokiness emerge afterward. It coats the mouth nicely, finishing with a bit of pepper and allspice, and hints of dark fruit. Finish - Relatively short, but again, well balanced. Many bourbons or whiskeys tend to become dry or feature drier notes like oak, leather, anise, etc. I do get a little oak and leather, but there's still a sweetness lingering. Some cinnamon. I recalled why this one won the blind tasting after trying it again. It just kept evolving. It's the kind of drink where you return to it and discover different flavors. The brand's batches can sometimes be hit or miss, not bad necessarily, but when the price is usually around $80-$100, some hit better than others, and batch 28 is probably one of my favorites. Batch 25 was also in this blind tasting and was a very close second. These can be expensive, and as previously mentioned, some blends are better than others. Batch 28 is definitely recommended, ideally, if you try other batches, it would be best to try before buying if possible.

Nose: A powerful, bold presence of oak and char, making its character undeniable. Classic brown sugar and vanilla notes are present, along with a bready, biscuity quality I quite like. Hints of tobacco, leather, and dusty corn emerge. Fruity notes dance in the background, accompanied by baking spices, primarily cinnamon, and cocoa. There's also a subtle, meaty undertone. Palate: Oak and bubblegum dominate, with vanilla, bananas, and light brown sugar following. It resembles grocery store sugar cookies topped with coarse sugar. Coffee and leather emerge assertively, with a distinct barrel bite. Solid tannins provide texture and a touch of bitterness. Black licorice and nutmeg are also present. The balance and structure are robust, with a medium mouthfeel. Finish: A classic ethanol pop and oak character. The oak gradually becomes charred, while notes of coffee grounds, earth, and buttermilk biscuits ebb and flow. Berries and vanilla custard appear. As the flavors fade, hints of thyme and basil emerge. The length is medium to long. Other notes: This is an excellent bourbon that executes the traditional style very well without introducing anything novel. Barrel continues to impress, with releases like this rivaling Booker's in quality. Despite its 108.86 proof, it presents as much more potent than expected. A highly recommended purchase for those who enjoy this style, and one I'll regret not having more of.

The aroma is mild yet spicy, with earthy rye spice, oak, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of roasted peanuts. A mineral quality becomes more noticeable as it airs, along with a bit of leather. The palate starts with a burst of pepper, followed by oak and roasted peanuts. There are some subtle creamy notes of vanilla and caramel, but they are mostly overpowered by the spice and mineral notes. However, the experience coats the mouth, providing a rich and chewy sensation. The finish is medium-long and spicy, with lingering mineral and oak that overshadow everything else. It seems somewhat unbalanced and too dominated by spice.

My initial taste left me feeling disappointed. I only detected spice and heat. I'm unsure if the bottle softened or if I adjusted (the neck pour effect is real?), but I have no issues now. This spirit truly opens up, especially with a bit of water, offering a well-balanced yet flavorful bourbon. I particularly appreciate the lingering charred oak on the finish – it's like a warm bonfire in my mouth!

Aroma: Ripe tropical fruits, maraschino cherries, vanilla, chocolate, and warm baking spices. Taste: Moderately sweet, full-bodied, featuring vanilla, subtle fruitiness, hints of chocolate, some baking spices, and a touch of marzipan. Finish: Medium length with notes of vanilla, chocolate, oak, and dried fruit.

Neat: Smells of apple with a hint of honey Strong impact but smooth swallow A pleasant burn with oak notes On the rocks: Smells like pumpkin pie Opens up sweet with a spicy finish An aftertaste of caramel without the sweetness