Barrell Whiskey Infinite Barrel Project (February 12, 2018)

The aroma is gentle and agreeable, though subdued initially, then it expands. The taste brings sweetness. However, nothing else distinguishes itself, and I mean that positively. It's intricate and well-proportioned. A bit of lingering warmth. Difficult to identify precisely, and in that sense, the goal is met. Name a specific spirit within and I'll accept it. Enjoy this. 5/10/18 Batch 2, March 2018. The scent is comparable, featuring malt characteristics but subtle. There are also sweet undertones, a prominent honey flavor. The taste is unexpectedly sweet at the start, with initial hints of cola. Some notes of baked spice. It's smooth and easy to drink given the alcohol content, concluding with a pleasant spicy kick. Another successful one. 6/2/18 Batch 4, May 2018. More notes of sandalwood. Botanical hints. It's sweet and unusual, but in a pleasant manner. The finish has a floral touch. It evolves with every mouthful. Another successful one. 7/3/18 Batch 3, April 2018. Appears consistent with the other batches, highlighting the clove and honey flavors. Botanical notes and sandalwood are also present. 8/17/18

Uncertain about how to review this. The initial pour I had, I enjoyed. The following day, I tried another pour and was concerned, yet still pleased. On the same day, I had a third pour, and now I disliked it. I am sure it was influenced by the other beverages I consumed concurrently. I frequently discover that sampling different whiskeys consecutively causes certain flavors to become more prominent in a whiskey that might not typically emphasize such characteristics. I distinctly recall enjoying this the first time I tried it and finding it complex and somewhat Scotch-like with caramel notes. By the most recent time I sampled this, all I could discern was what I believe others describe as the Dickel Flintstone vitamin essence. There is certainly an artificial fruit vitamin flavor present that was the sole characteristic I could taste.

The initial taste was powerful and "intriguing." You can sense it's cask strength, but not in the usual burning way... it grew more intense as it lingered. An unusual flavor... not bad... just strange?? Adding a few drops of water brought out vanilla and sweetness. There's another component I can't quite identify. I'll probably figure it out after reading others' reviews. The spice has evolved into a cinnamon/pepper profile. With a few more drops, the pepper spice really intensified. There's more wood influence and less sweetness now. The pepper... wow. It's like eating spicy food... in a positive way??? At this point, the aroma is damp wood. I definitely preferred it with just a couple of drops. It was an enjoyable experience overall. P.S. If it's relevant, this was bottled on 5/29/18...

This is the March Batch, which seems to be getting some attention. So here's my take. The alcohol is prominent from start to finish, but it really opens up with a bit of water. The initial taste is quite oaky (who doesn't appreciate a good oaky flavor?) followed by notes of cognac and spice. The finish is somewhat dry but long-lasting, resting on a pleasant foundation of brown sugar, wood shavings, and that signature sweet, intense heat these producers are recognized for. This bottle is number 786. Enjoy!

Nose: Smells like candy apples with a toasted caramel undertone. A subtle spice appears at the end. Taste: Immediately very sweet like cotton candy. Then it shifts to a dark apple and a woody syrup flavor.

Delicious. My first time trying a Barrell product. Remarkably smooth for its 123.8 proof. A fantastic bottle overall.