Barrell Bourbon New Year 2022

Nose: Remarkably gentle for 115 proof, with no alcohol burn. Sweet red fruit (perhaps dried plums), vanilla birthday cake, and raisin biscuits. Later, some very tart citrus notes emerge, like a glazed lemon bundt cake transitioning to strong lemon zest. The aroma is quite complex as it develops. Palate: Initial sweet oak notes are followed by robust cola flavors. It improves further in the glass: sweet citrus and vanilla bean appear. More oak and tangy cola alongside lemon meringue. It's wild and varied, but the deeper you get, the better it becomes. Finish: The flavors persist on the palate, and the tartness lingers due to its unexpected nature. It remains sweet, akin to bread pudding with lemon zest. Like a lemon pie with vanilla ice cream. It's still in my mouth and mind as I write this, and I haven't had a sip for at least a minute. Overall: This is a fantastic, distinctive, and incredibly complex bourbon. Considering the price, it should be. However, this is something I'll save for very special occasions, anticipating it with great desire. Wow… I'm looking forward to the 2023 release. This could become a new annual tradition.

The aroma is led by fruity esters, somewhat charred brown sugars, vanilla, and a gentle ethanol presence. While some have noted specific berries, I detect a general berry sweetness rather than distinct types. It improves with some aeration. The taste is sweet, featuring a subtle underlying spice that adds intrigue, complemented by oak and fruit notes. This is a solid drink that seems to change with each taste. The mouthfeel is substantial, offering smooth drinkability despite some warmth on the finish, which also has a notably long duration. An engaging dram that provides a sense of discovery.

NOSE Herbal pine and spice, rich dark sugars, oak, preserved dark and tree fruits, toasted corn, and vanilla alongside faint metallic and banana undertones. Smooth, well-rounded, and pleasing. A decent introduction. PALATE Herbal pine and spice, oaky wood, caramel candy, blackberry sweets, toasted corn, vanilla, dehydrated apples, and a zesty lemon burst, echoing the metallic and banana hints from the scent. A subtle, barely perceptible artificial taste emerges briefly, but it's otherwise enjoyable. FINISH Medium to long, featuring fruit and oak with a whisper of caramel as it fades.

The initial aroma is similar to the 2021 version, starting with chocolate and raspberry, but mellows to a silky leather after resting. The palate is hot, slightly sweet, with dried orchard fruit, a touch of tartness, and abundant tobacco and leather. The finish is a bit bitter, with the burn lingering on the tongue for a while. It's a decent pour.

A straightforward, classic bourbon. The nose offers hickory and honey, the palate has caramel and bright fruit notes (perhaps peach or apricot?), and the mid-length finish presents cotton and nut. A pleasant, unadventurous daily drinker. The 57% ABV helps justify the premium price.

The aroma is substantial and slightly harsh, as the alcohol content makes its presence known. Fortunately, the alcohol is less noticeable in the flavor, making it easy to drink. A minor tartness detracts slightly from the score. Overall, it's decent.