Barrell Bourbon Batch 030

Attended a recent tasting event that had a limited capacity of 20 guests. I was on a waitlist and luckily secured a spot due to a cancellation. My strong desire to attend stemmed from hearing positive remarks about the brand and my existing appreciation for Batch 29. I was also eager to sample Seagrass due to its unique reputation. A significant draw was the discounted pricing for attendees. I acquired my preferred Batch 29, planning to purchase Seagrass later. Regarding Batch 30: Appearance: Visually oily with noticeable legs. Nose: Sweet, creamy, and nutty notes emerge first, followed by cinnamon, caramel, and orange peel after some time. Flavor: Notes of saddle leather and oak are present, with mellow, not overly intense spice. Hints of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon are subtle. Adding a drop of water unlocks a sweetness with tropical mixed fruits, none dominating. It's akin to a natural fruit cup. As the flavors evolve, nutty amaretto, cremini mushroom, and orange liqueur appear. Finish: Fig and fruit leather notes. Overall: A superb bourbon that many would appreciate in their collection. Personally, I favor Batch 29, which is why I selected it. Both are solid bourbons, but I can't acquire every one immediately. The challenge is their limited availability as one-run releases. The brand is known for its craft bourbon, though some expressions like Seagrass and Dovetail are consistently available, their batch-numbered bourbons are not. My ratings are based solely on my impressions, not the price.

NOSE Fruity, sweet like cereal, woody, baking spice, vanilla, lemon drops, a little hoppy and herbal. This is unlike any Barrell Bourbon I've experienced the aroma of before. It's not their typical oak-heavy spirit; it's lighter, more herbal, with fruit, candy sweetness, and almost floral notes. PALATE Deep candy sweetness, fruit sweetness, cereal sweetness, oak, caramel cupcakes, vanilla, candied citrus, and some earthy hay undertones. Similar to the smell, this is unique and atypical for Barrell, and I need a moment to fully absorb it. FINISH Medium-long -> Sweetness and spice from candy and cereal fade into oaky dark sweet notes.

Served in a Glencairn after resting 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Aroma: Vanilla, caramel, and a hint of honey. Taste: Cinnamon spice, baking spices, and clove. Finish: Lingering and quite warm. With a splash: Some woody tannins emerge. Overall: 8/10 - This was just opened, so it might evolve. It's typical of what I anticipate from a certain brand's batch – high proof with a touch of oak. It would certainly work in a mixed drink, but the cost is a bit too high to use it that way.

My word, the aroma is incredible, and the complexity is outstanding. Each time, a new element appears. Initial sweet notes of caramel, vanilla, orange zest, and banana bread. Rye and cinnamon oak also make their presence known. The complexity continues in the taste. Deep notes of sweet vanilla and caramel. Cloves, red hots, and fruit are present – perhaps peach or apricot? Just a damn good drink.

Interestingly, the aroma immediately reminds me of my childhood, specifically Cap'N Crunch with Crunch Berries. The taste is very much like a dark cocktail cherry with a pleasant peppery bite around the edges of my tongue. The finish shifts towards cherry-flavored cough syrup. It's likely too sweet and one-dimensional for my preference. I'm considering using it in whiskey sours.

Color: A dark amber hue. The aroma is primarily vanilla, with hints of burnt sugar and rye spice. The taste reveals vanilla, caramel, some citrus, and a strong drying sensation from considerable oak. The finish is medium length, offering a pleasant warmth. A drying, oaky sensation is noticeable in the finish.