Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Ice Wine

A substantial aroma on this one. It carries the scent of a completed high rye Bourbon, which is fitting given its 24% rye content. You detect some of the fruitiness one might anticipate from an Ice Wine influence. I've noted most of the fruit characteristics I'm picking up, so I'll skip repeating them here. P. There's some warmth emerging now that wasn't present on the nose. This is quite pleasant. An effortless dessert drink. Much of the aroma transfers to the palate. F. Dessert notes linger for a moderate finish. Take my assessment of this spirit with a grain of salt. I might be unfairly docking it a quarter point because it's not the Ice Wine Finish Private Select Whiskey from Barrel, which is not a fair comparison. The Private Select showcases more of the finish, which is precisely what introduced me to Ice Wine finished whiskey. If you prefer more subdued finishes, you may find this suits your palate perfectly. Of the three Ice Wine finishes I've sampled from Barrell, this exhibits the least cask influence.

The aroma presents stone fruits, nougat, a freshly sharpened pencil, brown sugar, nutmeg, recently cut grass, and Werther's candy. The ethanol is nicely subdued. The palate delivers caramel, vanilla, macadamia nut, cola, and the stone fruits from the nose in the form of peach, plum, and raspberry. The flavors have a notable intensity. The medium-length finish includes black pepper, toasted oak, cinnamon, black pepper again, almond butter, and barrel char. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with a slight graininess. Overall, it's a well-rounded and somewhat 'fun' offering from Barrell, primarily because it provides a distinct experience without significant flaws. At $89.99, it's a bit pricey, which is why I don't often purchase from this brand, but I wouldn't rule out buying it again, earning a 4.0 rating.

Nose - A mild, sweet, somewhat rough burn. Taste - An immediate sweetness that dissipates quickly, leaving a 'rough' aftertaste. The burn persists for a considerable time and is its most prominent characteristic. There's nothing here that compels me to revisit it.