Barrell Vantage

Full disclosure: I’ve only tried Seagrass and Vantage from Barrell, not their standard bourbon. My history with those two reminds me of a band everyone else loves that I can see the talent in but just doesn't connect with me like it does for others. It's similar to a highly praised movie that tackles a significant theme with beautiful cinematography, yet it leaves me feeling detached and emotionally untouched. Part of my issue is what I appreciate: the proof. These are potent and enjoyable whiskies, though with a strong alcoholic aroma. You know how some barrel proofs don't seem to reflect their stated proof? Barrell's nose definitely gives that impression. This means you really need to let it rest after pouring so it can cool and the vapors dissipate. You can certainly drink it immediately, as I don't find it makes a huge difference on the palate, but initially, the nose offers little beyond the fumes, some muskiness, dustiness, and earthiness. As I focus more on the nose of this Barrell Vantage, I detect a nuttiness, but it's not a distinct nut like an almond, more of a general nuttiness. Once the ethanol fades, the nose is predominantly sweet and fruity, leaning towards dried apricots and orange marmalade. This character carries over to the palate, which is also tart, oaky, and bold. Even after resting in the glass, the intense spicy kick remains, and it's a welcome kick. It's not so much bitter or sharp as it is the kind of heat you experience at an Indian restaurant when they haven't adjusted the spice level for Western palates. You try to hide it, drinking numerous glasses of water with your curry just to get through the meal. Here's a secret: I actually enjoy that. I love spice and the flavors that accompany the heat, so I'm that person in the restaurant corner, sweat on my brow, while the staff chuckles at my predicament as if it's a grand joke. As I continue, the tartness develops a cherry note, and a mintiness appears in the finish, but again, the finish is hot. I'm unsure if my description sounds appealing, but I have an open bottle of Blue Run High Rye Bourbon, and this surpasses it. I also have Larceny Barrel Proof A122 open, and this doesn't measure up to that one. However, it's a distinctive experience, much like Seagrass, so kudos again to Barrell for producing a quality product. I remain open to their future offerings, despite the peculiar fact that they never seem to provide me as much enjoyment as they do others. To that point, perhaps a fitting comparison is a contemporary hip-hop group. You can stop reading if you dislike rap. I grew up in the 90s when rap produced hits – Wu-Tang, Rawkus. It was hard-hitting music that made you nod your head. You felt powerful listening to it and walking around. Even as a suburban white kid, it was impossible not to strut when playing Onyx's Bacdafucup. Nowadays, people recommend new artists, and I listen, but it sounds like a dejected artist in their room, mumbling personal reflections over a synthesized beat. There's clear talent, but I'm not seeking a sad artist's bedroom musings. I want impactful lyrics, not diary entries. And that's somewhat how I feel about Barrell. Barrell is like that sad rapper mumbling over their computer. It's not what I'm looking for in a bourbon, but I'll give it a try if it's what's offered. I'll consider it seriously, but ultimately, if Larceny is available, I'd choose that. I realize that conclusion took an unexpected turn.

The aroma initially presents a blend of orange creamsicle, scorched pineapple, sandalwood, and leather, followed by subtle florals, roasted macadamia nuts, and cocoa nibs. Then come anise-spiced baked pears, cherries jubilee, and chalk candy, transitioning to spearmint, mild baking spices, pipe tobacco, and polished oak, with a moderate ethanol presence. The taste offers a medium body, starting with creamy orchard fruit, charred pineapple, sandalwood, and leather. A moderate spice then gradually subsides, leading to light florals, toasted marshmallow, and espresso. This is followed by anise-spiced baked pears, maraschino cherries, and a chalky orange sports drink flavor, which shifts to spearmint, light baking spices, pipe tobacco, and polished oak, with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length, featuring chalky orange sports drink, cherry cough drops, sandalwood, toasted marshmallow, espresso, spearmint, and polished oak. This is a delightful and distinctive bourbon. The finishing in Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks has imparted toasted notes along with light florals and sandalwood that harmonize with the traditional bourbon flavors without overwhelming them, and it's far less oaky than I anticipated. Some minor sour notes detract slightly from the experience, as does a higher level of bitter spice on the palate than I prefer, but overall, it's a really enjoyable creation from Barrell that I'd be happy to drink anytime. Considering its local price of around $90, I believe it's fairly valued and worth purchasing for anyone seeking a novel take on the conventional bourbon profile.

The nose is both fruity and nutty, with notes of apple, macadamia nut, cola nut, raspberry, sour grape, tart cherry, light vanilla, pancake batter, nutmeg, and pine. The ethanol presence is low considering the proof. Truly delightful. The palate is very bright and bold with peach, ginger, fig, honey, clove, apricot, and cedar. While these components sound appealing, there's a slight lack of harmony, and the overall profile doesn't quite come together as anticipated. The finish features toffee, cinnamon, more ginger, and toasted oak, and is relatively short. The mouthfeel is thin-bodied and acidic, which detracts from the whiskey. It's certainly a distinctive whiskey, but it falls a bit short for me. There's a touch of unnecessary sharpness and a bit of extra bite; I feel this could have been excellent, but unfortunately, it's just not. I recognize the intention behind it and commend the effort, but at $79.99, it didn't impress me enough to repurchase.

A complicated, Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Barrell Craft Spirits, made in Indiana, Tennessee & Kentucky; then finished in new Mizunara, French & toasted American oak barrels; before being created & bottled in Kentucky at 57.22% alcohol by volume. It begins aromatically with hints of grain, wood, fruit, herbs & spices; while a complicated & oily body adds notes of espresso, oak tannins, maple syrup, grilled pineapple, Creme brûlée, coconut oil, Tarragon, nutmeg & warm cola; that concludes with a herbal finale of Ricola cough drops & spicy peppermint candy canes that have gone stale, undertones of green grapes, red plum, Za’atar, crystallized ginger & Szechuan peppercorns. September 2022

Nose is floral and vanilla, nuts and apricot, leather and sawdust against a toasted barrel backdrop. A rush of honey on the tongue with summer fruit, golden raisins, dried cherries, peanuts, graham cracker, oak, cedar/sandalwood and cinnamon—all in a very smooth package. Some cocoa appears too. For some reason, after consuming this multiple times I still can’t find all the “tart” notes from the expert review. Finish is long and toasted with toffee and a hint of spearmint or oregano, a savory note that isn’t immediately noticeable during the sip. Falls short of a creme brulee finish for me but I can see why some might say that. Very good and well-balanced with much to discover.

After resting for 15 minutes in a Glencairn glass, the medium amber liquid presents a nose of floral notes with some sweet fruit and mild vanilla. The palate is a medley of spices that aren't overpowering. The finish is long with moderate warmth. Adding a splash brings out more prominent clove and baking spice notes. Overall, a 9.5/10. The long finish, even for a high-proof bourbon, is remarkable. The intriguing spice blend on the palate, enhanced by water, truly captures my attention. This is one of the year's most surprising bourbons, standing out without an exorbitant price tag. At $85, it's a great value.