Barrell Bourbon New Year 2021

The aroma is deep, rich, and complex, and is my favorite aspect of this whiskey, with that characteristic "Tennessee Whiskey" profile subtly present amidst the sweet, spicy, and earthy notes. The palate is not as robust as the aroma, more like a 75% volume version, but still retains that distinctive TN profile tying everything together. The finish is nice and long, gradually fading into that sweet, dried corn Tennessee profile.

I let it rest for 15 minutes. Chocolate raspberry on the aroma and initial taste. Intense but sweet. The second taste brings out the intensity but also more tobacco and leather. Dried fruit notes are present. The finish is long and hot on the upper palate. Overall, not exceptional, but an enjoyable sip. I don't believe I've encountered chocolate raspberry on the nose before. It tastes like one of those Christmas chocolates going through puberty while you drink it.

Hay, honey, vanilla, and cherry on the nose with a touch of brown sugar. It reminds me of a Danish pastry. The palate is drier than anticipated, featuring shortbread and berry notes, similar to a cherry Pop-Tart, which dates me. Later, notes of molasses, brown sugar, and cherry cough drops appear. The finish has a tangy, medicinal quality. It's not my favorite Barrell release, but it's an interesting and clever concept.

I appreciate the concept behind this series from Barrell, and I'm a big supporter of the brand, but I don't believe this particular release fully succeeds... Nose: Corn, youthfulness, cereal grains Palate: Ethanol, cinnamon, butter, vanilla The finish is long with a slight warmth. Tasting this alongside unsalted pecans significantly enhances the experience.

Aroma: I agree with the notes of chocolate-covered raspberries, toffee, and maple syrup. Also present are charred oak, peaches, baking spices, and brine. On the palate: Sweet, with flavors of caramel, baking spices, charred oak, black pepper, a slight hint of vanilla, toffee, candy corn, and bitter tea. The finish is rich and sweet with moderate spice throughout.

After letting it rest for 20 minutes, the aroma was horchata, chocolate, and buttery. The taste was initially sharp and the alcohol was quite strong, almost astringent. Corn, toasted marshmallow, and caramel sweetness emerged. Adding a couple of drops of water eliminated the burn, leaving a long caramel finish.