Barrell Rye Single Barrel Cask Strength 13 Year

Compared side-by-side with a Barrell 13yr Sib cs (barrel #L950) Canadian rye and a Barrell rye cs 4yr batch #003. Appearance: The 13-year is a few shades lighter. 13yr Aroma: Rich, almost wine-like, as expected from a Canadian. Deep, sweet rye spice. Batch 3 Aroma: Light ethanol, still rich but less so, rye with a hint of vegetable. Batch 3 Taste: Sharp wood, sweet rye with a little heat. A bitter and sweet, numbing finish. 4.15/5 13 yr Taste: This one swirls beautifully with substantial legs. Rich, multi-layered, sweet earthy rye, dry wine, caramel, and light apples. Sweet rye lingers with a medium, numbing finish. 4.6/5 Conclusion: It's challenging to compare these two, even though they are both from Barrell. They are definitely different styles of rye. Batch 3 likely has significant Indiana and perhaps Polish rye influence. I favor high-proof, well-aged Canadian rye, so the 13yr is the winner. Both are excellent, and I wouldn't refuse either.

Comparison: Lock Stock 16 Year Rye vs. Barrell 13 Year Rye Nose - 13 Year: Tart, rich, spicy rye, light ethanol. Nose - 16 Year: Sweet, rich, tangy, almost cheesy but not quite. Taste - 13 Year: Tangy, funky rye spice, citrus fruits with a good, funky spicy finish. Taste - 16 Year: Rich, sweet, smooth, and oaky, like a rich dessert wine rye with a lighter spicy finish. I sampled the 13 Year first tonight, and it stood out. It possesses more depth and spice, delivering the rye flavor I seek. I had previously rated the Lock Stock 16 higher on its own. The Lock Stock is still impressive, very rich and sweet with a pleasant oak finish. Tonight, the Barrell wins, but it could differ on another occasion. Both are fantastic ryes! Barrell 13 Year - 9.5/10 Lock Stock 16 Year - 9.25/10