Barrell Bourbon New Year 2019

Received a sample from a friend as part of the "Whiskey transfer program". I want to enjoy this, as I appreciate what a friend calls "firewater". I prefer barrel-proof selections, and Barrell exclusively uses high proofs. Aroma: Unexpected. Strong citrus, some mint, potent ethanol, and a bit chemical, with young corn as well. This smells like a young bourbon, and not necessarily in a good way. It lacks the typical bourbon scents of vanilla and brown sugar. Flavor: The taste is somewhat subtle, with vanilla, light sweetness, light oak, and then... it vanishes. The flavor transitions straight into the finish after about half a second. Finish: A surprisingly long finish featuring heavy oak, black pepper, more mint, and drying tannic qualities. It concludes with more ethanol-like chemical notes that linger... longer than I'd prefer. It's somewhat unpleasant. Overall, I really wished I liked this, but I believe the whiskeys used in this batch were not aged sufficiently. It's rather disappointing.

The aroma features light caramel, cloves, honey, butterscotch, Golden Delicious apples, and shortbread. The palate introduces a hint of light barrel char, candied ginger, corn custard, and a subtle herbal undertone. The alcohol level isn't overwhelming; the sweetness of the palate makes this an agreeable, almost effortless sipper. While bourbons like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Stagg Jr. are dark, rich, and complex, this bourbon, despite its own complexity, is lighter and brighter, leaning towards fresh fruit, mild spice, and cream. A delightful and surprisingly distinctive bourbon.

Enjoyable flavors of toasted wood, leather, and a hint of mustiness. Those seeking classic vanilla notes might be let down. However, fans of drier, even smoky bourbons will appreciate it.

A truly remarkable whiskey... Smooth, with just enough warmth to confirm its strength. Notes of oak, brown sugar, and a long, sweet finish.

The nose has notes of vanilla, oak, cinnamon, mint, and caramel. The taste is sweet, with caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, black pepper, oak, and rye.

I share the same opinion as another reviewer. This is a very pleasant bourbon. I'm happy I decided to try the bottle.