Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023

Figured I've sampled the 2022 and 2023 enough and in the mood for a couple pours tonight, so here it goes. This whiskey has a wonderful peanut butter nose that seriously reminds me of a Reese's PB Cup...boasting of chocolatey sweetness (maybe a skosh of oreo cookie?), peanut brittle, caramel, some fruits, and even some light flowery notes on the edges...its interesting and pretty damn great. The palate is enjoyable, but downright "vanilla" compared to the nose. Generally sweet, but not complex...hints of brown sugar, mildly roasted peanuts, a hint of chocolate if I search, and well, otherwise, just a characteristic bourbon, with a bit of back end ethanol that reminds you this is a 115ish proofer. Mouthfeel is average...not particularly viscous, but not thin either. Overall this is a really nice whiskey...but let's be fair, the palate/flavors keep this from being an absolute banger...like 4.75ish...and this was a bit of a surprise as I'd guess the palate has been the show on the vast majority of Barrell products (of which I am a big fan) I've enjoyed. This is quite good, and admittedly unique, and while the palate was a bit of a downer, I'm definitely happy to have this bottle on my shelf...

Aroma - It's like stepping into a candy store... abundant chocolate and sugary confections. Very floral with a wealth of sweet fruits... candied apples and mixed berries... cinnamon graham cracker. Hints of honeyed cereal notes are also present. This is an astonishingly sweet, fragrant whiskey. Quite distinctive. There's no trace of alcohol or oak presence whatsoever. Taste - Not what I anticipated... As complex as the nose is, the palate is the complete opposite. It remains sweet, but this almost feels too well-balanced in terms of flavor profiles... Not overly intricate. Caramel, cotton candy, more sugar candy, and subtle chocolate notes. All quite understated. The alcohol is quite noticeable, particularly at the back of the palate and in the finish. Overall - The nose is wild and exceptional... very unique and may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer traditional oak, caramel, and vanilla flavors. The palate lacks the complexity expected from a BCS product. If your preference leans towards traditional tastes, I'd strongly advise against this. However, if you enjoy exploring whiskies that offer an unusual experience, this might be worth considering.

First opening. 🍾 Let it rest for about 5 minutes. Appearance: Medium copper, appears viscous and oily at first glance, with thick legs indicating the high proof; Nose: Fruit basket, mild baking spices, definitely butterscotch, vanilla, and cherry, with very little hint of the alcohol; Taste: Caramel and cotton candy, luscious fruits, sweet honey, butterscotch again, toffee; Finish: Smooth and sweet finish, almost tastes like you just finished a caramel candy. You are transported to bourbon paradise with this one; there is no hint of alcohol whatsoever. This is incredible!

A deep, impressively mellow version with hints of a candy apple essence. A slight warmth, though not overwhelming. Initially, it seems rather sweet and fruity, but after a short while, oak emerges to provide a refined, dry conclusion. Notably, the tastes register across the entire palate, each contributing a distinct note. Toward the end, a subtly sharp cinnamon note beckons for another taste.

The nose presents barnyard dust with notes of vanilla, caramel, and orange. The palate reveals a peanut butter cup, cherry cola, caramel, cocoa, apple pie, oak, and a subtle hint of dill or rosemary. It's exceptionally good. The finish includes a whisper of mint. High proof. Suggests great potential. Alas, you disappointed me, 2023.

Thanks a friend! Aroma is rich with loads of vanilla and oak, and perhaps some mint. Flavor is caramel, coffee, rich with a long oaky linger, and again a hint of mint. Delicious.