Barrell Bourbon Private Release D01K

While browsing at a liquor store, this bottle caught my attention after reading about a charity bottle. Upon inquiring with the manager, a discussion led to opening a bottle from the shelf with another employee and fellow whiskey enthusiast. This is Barrell’s BA1C bottle, a blend of 45% five-year-old, 25% ten-year-old, 25% fourteen-year-old, and 5% sixteen-year-old bourbons. While some blends aim for a mix of young and old, the flavors don't always integrate well, but this one aims for a "fresh corn-forward sweetness." Even from a small sample, it offered abundant orchard fruit and corn sweetness. The initial sip was hot and vibrant, with orange, cherry, and vanilla on the front palate, and wood spices on the sides. The finish highlighted aged barrel notes. The mouthfeel is oily, and the noticeable heat enhances the experience. The balance leans sweet, with young, sweet notes alongside aged wood and spice that are exceptionally well-integrated. Despite initial hesitation at the $99 price, the first sip was convincing. This bottle is being saved for later enjoyment. The creators rival established blenders in skill, offering a diverse range of spirits.

Selected by the Bull City Bourbon Club, named "Peach Cobbler" Batch No. D33i A microblend of 40% 5-year-old, 35% 7-year-old, 20% 10-year-old, and 5% 17-year-old spirits 58.07% alcohol by volume; 116.14 proof Opened for 2 months Nose: Ripe peach, apricot, red plum, pie crust, cereal with fruit and cinnamon, clove, subtle black pepper, light oak, and moderate alcohol. Palate: Tastes exactly like peach cobbler, with spiced apples, honey, cinnamon, and butterscotch. The finish is medium-long, featuring overripe peaches, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, white sugar, and a moderate alcohol burn. This is the first of three selections our club released this summer from Barrell, and it's likely my favorite overall. It was initially a bit chalky upon opening but improved significantly. It smells and tastes precisely as the name suggests, with perhaps a hint of apple and apricot. It drinks sweet and less intensely than its proof indicates, standing out as one of the finest cask-strength bourbons I've had recently. For context, this microblend is primarily from MGP, with contributions from Dickel and Kentucky bourbon. While sharing common MGP bourbon traits, it offers more distinct sugar and fruit notes than typically found in George Remus or other non-distiller producers. The price for Barrell can be high, but based on the four selections I've purchased this year (one from Davidson County and three from BCBC), they produce excellent products that justify the cost. I've tried numerous $50-70 sourced bourbons and ryes that weren't always successful. Occasionally, it's worthwhile to spend a bit more for a guaranteed good experience.

The specific bottling I tried was a store selection, blend B25A, from 925liquours in Maryland. The nose presents notes of nuts, such as almond dust and pecan, with a faint hint of mint in the background, and also licorice. I'm uncertain of the exact rye percentage, but these are characteristics I typically associate with rye. This bottle is bottled at 56.08% ABV, so it's not overwhelmingly strong, but it is definitely a bit warm. Adding a little ice should allow it to truly shine. I enjoy the nutty flavors, which I've encountered in other Barrell bourbon releases.

The aroma presents pleasant apple and distinct sweet nuances, though not in a traditional bourbon style. Fruit is the primary characteristic. The apple flavor is very prominent on the palate. While the texture is light, it doesn't feel thin. The taste is somewhat singular, focusing on fruit without classic caramel or vanilla notes. There's a noticeable tingle on the palate. The finish is moderately long and warming. Ethanol presence isn't strong, just a hint, which is understandable given the higher proof.

An absolutely fantastic pour. I was persuaded to purchase this particular selection, and it was well worth it. Spicy caramel on the nose, with subtle hints of vanilla, oak, leather, and a touch of dark cherry. On the palate, it's wonderfully oaky and caramel-forward with a vanilla sweetness that emerges unexpectedly. The leathery notes must come from the blend of 14+ year old spirits. A satisfyingly long finish.

Mine was barrel 045 and A32C, a mix of 35% 5yr, 30% 9yr, 25% 13yr, and 10% 15yr spirits. It was 114.3 proof. A solid bourbon with notes of salty caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. It has a moderately full mouthfeel and a very long, spicy, hot finish, though not hot initially despite the proof. I suspect a higher rye content in the mash bill.