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Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Tale of Two Islands (Release 001)
Barrell

Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Tale of Two Islands (Release 001)

4.18 Good

17 reviews17 ratings

88 critic score Above average for whiskey

Whiskey Bourbon USA 5 Year 59.1% ABV

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About this bottle

This bottling from Barrell Craft Spirits is the first of two in the brand's new Cask Finish Series, which features blends of straight bourbons with distinctive finishing processes. In this release, Barrell Craft Spirits combines Indiana straight bourbons (aged 5, 6, and 9 years) with Maryland straight bourbon (aged 5 and 6 years). This mixture was then finished in casks from Barrell Craft Spirits' 2018 Tale of Two Islands Rum, which was a Jamaican rum matured in peated Islay single malt barrels. The overall mash bill equivalent is 73% corn, 23% rye, and 4% malted barley. It was bottled at cask strength and became available in the fall of 2023, with a suggested retail price of $89.99.

How it tastes

Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.

Rich 80
Full Bodied 80
Spicy 30
Sweet 30
Fruity 30
Vanilla 25
Oily 20
Herbal 15

Reviews

Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.

Kirsten Crane 4.3

Glass: Glencairn, let sit for 15 minutes. Color: Deep amber. Smell: Sweet maple, plump berries, and dark fruit. Taste: Smoky, with wood notes and a hint of brine. Rich texture. Aftertaste: Lingering duration with moderate warmth. Addition: No new tastes emerge, but the smoke and salt intensify. Review: 8.5/10 - It has a smell reminiscent of aged rum, but it tastes like Islay. Bourbon characteristics are present in the texture and aftertaste, yet the scotch flavors dominate the expected bourbon notes. Nevertheless, this is among the superior scotch/bourbon blends I've tried. Perhaps a shorter period in the finishing cask would have allowed more bourbon character to surface.

Casey Mcnamara 4.3

Distinctive tasting bourbon. Mild spice notes and some honey. The barrels make their presence known. Starts with a kick but mellows with ice after about ten minutes. Excellent value.

Felix Benson 2.8

It just didn't impress me. I've had superior drinks for half the cost. For $80 a bottle... this was a letdown.

Zelda Hammonds 4.8

This must be the highest rating I've ever given something with this high of an alcohol content. I love it!

Addyson Ramirez 3.8

Pleasant flavor and finish overall

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