Barrell Bourbon Batch 032

Another excellent spirit from a team that has mastered blending very good spirits at this point. The aroma is an intriguing blend of vanilla, dark cherries, and a little cinnamon. This robust spirit hits the palate with an intense flavor and some warmth, though it's quite mild by barrel proof standards. A rich, thick mouthfeel and notes of baking spices, vanilla, cereal, cinnamon, and butterscotch, with just a trace of the cherry detected in the aroma. The drier and spicier notes linger for a while on the finish. Overall, this didn't astound me like some previous releases I've tried, but it's a sophisticated and rich-tasting sip that is worth its suggested retail price.

Another guaranteed success from the creators at Barrell. This bottling possesses a distinct chewiness with a well-rounded character reminiscent of tobacco leaf. It's subtly fruity, with notes of stewed prune, apricot, and baked pear. All these elements are unified by a pecan pie flavor. Even at full proof, this bourbon is exceptionally smooth. A gentle splash of water opens it up into a very approachable and refined spirit. It is both sweet and confident, like a seasoned professional. We eagerly anticipate Batch 33!

AROMA Oak, dried dark fruit, toffee, baking spice, bran muffins, and a slightly biscuity scent with some vanilla frosting. The oak is prominent but is balanced by the sweet dark notes that flow through. TASPE OAK, dried dark fruit, roasted corn, nuts, baking spice, red and black licorice, with a hint of bran muffin and waxy vanilla. This is a robust, dark whisky with a significant amount of grain character. Impressive. AFTERTASTE Lingering spice, oak, dried dark fruit, and waxy vanilla taffy.

Smooth, sweet, and spicy. An initial burst of tropical fruits transitions into a blend of apple, strawberry, and banana candy. Notes of oak, caramel, vanilla custard, tobacco, heavily buttered wheat toast, baking spices, and faint stone fruits are present. The finish is long and drying with cinnamon, fruit, candy, and oak. A solid, interesting whiskey; I perceive slightly different notes with each sip.

Aroma: a spring meadow with fallen branches from winter. Some apple and young strawberries. Taste: An incredible fresh-baked cinnamon butter cookie. So creamy and full of flavor. A hint of spiced apple and tobacco on the finish. Finish: Pleasant and long, leaving a lingering spiced apple flavor and a nice oily coating in the mouth. I truly enjoyed this one. My highest rated spirit to date.

A favorite on hand; the high proof is noticeable upfront but doesn't overpower the rich character; it has a creamy and tropical profile with layers of spice and nuttiness; consistently satisfying throughout the tasting; and delivers intense, intriguing fruit flavors. This is a blend of straight bourbons aged 5, 6, 7, and 10 years, combined over a three-month period.