Barrell Foundation Bourbon

I've sampled a few of this brand's offerings. All receive high marks. Enthusiasts seem to adore them, and I've liked them, but they're overvalued. Yes, I declared it. O VER VALUED. I always feel the need to clarify when I use that term that overvalued does not equate to bad. They're not interchangeable. Overvalued means people are claiming it's superior to its actual quality. I've read numerous glowing assessments of this particular bottle, and again, it's not bad, but I purchased it on sale for $50, with a $5 discount, and it's not worth that sum. Considering Knob Creek 9 is available for around $40, Dickel BiB for about $44, and 1792 BiB for around $40, all at the same proof, with greater age, and all, in fact, more complex, I see no justification for a $55 bottle of this particular product. That said, it's not bad, but if it were priced $15 lower, I might be more inclined to purchase. To be truthful, it is distinct from the others I've mentioned. Dickel BiB offers chocolate and cherry. 1792 presents vanilla, nuts, and spice. This one is fruity, in the style of orchard fruits. Pear, apple. You do detect caramel and vanilla, which are common notes in many bourbons. There's a sweetness here that surpasses the sweetness of those other spirits, which is great if you appreciate that quality. But honestly, Old Tub, while I can't definitively say it's superior, it also costs only $20-$25. I suppose my point is that the scent and taste of this spirit are not distinctive enough to warrant the expense. That is the primary deficiency here. Why am I spending this much for a 100 proof whiskey that doesn't stand out from other, less expensive 100 proof whiskies? I cannot fathom it. Can you provide an explanation?

Aroma - Plenty of brown sugar and bubblegum dominate initially... A nice rye character is present through baking spices, which beautifully balance the sweetness. A faint hint of bay leaf and even a touch of tobacco are detected. Taste - Bazooka Joe bubble gum... That's remarkable. I've encountered bubblegum notes in some ryes before, but the back of the palate and the entire finish are filled with an incredible amount of bubble gum flavor. The front of the palate offers typical notes of vanilla and oak. There's a subtle tropical fruit hint here (perhaps apricot) and a very light citrus note (orange creamsicle). Overall - Likely the most flavorful 100 proof whiskey I've ever experienced, to be honest. It drinks a bit hotter than 100 proof (which might deter some). Considering the price of $50-$55 for 100 proof, this earns a 5.0 from me. Again, I'm evaluating it based on what it is. I recently acquired KC 18 year, which is 100 proof and priced at $180 or something absurd... yet I would prefer this. It's more complex and has a longer finish. The viscosity is also excellent for 100 proof. ***I would love to compare this blind against Rock Hill Farms****

The nose is quite bright and bold with peach, pine, citrus zest, cedar, white pepper, honey, vanilla icing, and gingerbread. A slight vitamin/mineral aroma is present. Unconventional. The ethanol is persistently bothersome, indicating some youth. The palate presents much of what was detected in the nose, particularly the gingerbread, vanilla icing, and peach notes, along with toffee, cotton candy, rye spice, nutmeg, praline, and green apple. It has an MGP-like profile. The cedar/pine becomes more pronounced as oak. It's quite well-balanced but lacks complexity. The finish turns spicy and dry with black peppercorn, leather, cinnamon, oak, clove, and tea leaf. It definitely has a bit of a kick. There's a hint of a mineral note (I notice you, Dickel!) but it's actually pleasant. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, straddling the line between creamy and grainy without fully committing to either. This is a somewhat challenging one to rate, as while there is quality present, I personally prefer a darker profile. At $50, this could certainly be a mid-tier whiskey for someone to repurchase, though it wouldn't be my choice.

This is an elegant blend of straight bourbon whiskeys from Barrell Craft Spirits' initial non-cask strength bourbon. It's composed of spirits from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Maryland distilleries, featuring 23% rye, with ages ranging from five to nine years, before being bottled at 100-proof. It possesses a rich and aromatic beginning with notes of grains, wood, fruits, flowers, nuts, herbs, and spices; while a full and creamy middle adds notes of honey, brown butter, grilled cantaloupe and peaches, dark cherry, candied strawberry, maple pecans, tiramisu, lavender, fennel, and lemongrass; leading to a rich and oily finish of medium length with notes of lemon and lime zest, oak, cardamom cakes, cocoa, dark chocolate, cinnamon, hazelnut, toffee, bananas foster, orange sherbet, and vanilla pudding.

NEAT NOSE - Hints of citrus mingle with abundant Caramel and Honey. A subtle trace of oak is also present. PALATE - A smooth texture on the palate. It's rich and intense. Caramel is the primary flavor, supported by honey. The oak is mild and agreeable, yet prominent as it persists throughout. There's certainly more complexity I'm not fully discerning. Regarding the citrus notes, I sometimes detect peach and other times lemon on the palate. FINISH - Smooth, easy, and lingers for a respectable duration, approximately medium in length. BUY? - YES! BUY AGAIN?? - Absolutely! This is one of the best bottles I've ever purchased for its price. I believe the suggested retail is $60, but I acquired mine for $50.

Initially, I thought this was just for mixing, and questioned why I'd write a review? Well, I shouldn't have underestimated this brand. It's quite a whiskey! I won't gush, as these are initial pours, but… The nose is light, with fruity and nutty notes. The palate is smooth, semi-sweet, and a bit creamy, featuring baking spices, dried fruits, nuts, and honey. The finish is long-lasting, with similar notes of baking spices, honey, dried fruits, and nuts.