Barrell Whiskey Batch 001

I initially thought this was a good deal on Barrell Bourbon, but later discovered it was actually their Whiskey. Batch 001. Unsure of what to anticipate, I decided to try it. It appears relatively light, especially considering it's 7-8 years old and at barrel strength. I assume this is due to the previously used bourbon barrels having already shed a significant amount of their char. The aroma is quite subtle, but the flavors are present. You just need to experiment by slowly bringing the glass closer to your nose to detect notes that are missed when reaching directly into the glass. I detect honey, vanilla cream, a bit of oak, and some baking spices. There's also a faint hint of raisins. The taste is sweet and oily. There's vanilla, oak, a touch of leather, and a burst of baking spices in the mid-palate. The finish is long, with a pleasant lingering taste of vanilla bean ice cream. There's a warmth, which is expected given the proof, but as a certain news anchor says, “It’s a good burn”. I'm fond of this one. I found that I had to search a bit more intently for the aroma than with most spirits at this proof. However, the taste was immediate, and it had a nice, distinctive vanilla finish.

The high alcohol content makes it tough to really dig into the aroma. However, it certainly smells sugary. And... it absolutely tastes sugary. This is incredibly sweet. It's not bad, but it doesn't have the depth I thought it would at first. It does evolve. It has spice, honey, some fruit, and a bit of nail polish remover. I enjoy it. Eager to see how this bottle matures. 2/18/17. A week later, which is likely insufficient time for significant shifts. The aroma presents more fruit (zest?) than previously perceived, and on the finish of the taste, I detect some nutmeg and astringency. Aside from that, it's consistent with my prior assessment - sweet, spicy, with a hint of acetone. It has a warming sensation as it's swallowed. It's a little less full-bodied and intricate compared to the Barrell Bourbons, which are truly amazing and, in my opinion, justify their higher costs, but this Spirit is also a success. 2/25/17

Yellow like the first pee of the morning. Legs form quickly. Ethanol and sawdust but no other faults. Lemon, honey, and anise on the nose transfer to a warm, thick palate that provides some toasted sesame, overcooked cornbread, and long-lasting clover honey on the finish. What a strange one. Tastes young but malty and spicy in interesting ways... I wouldn't immediately identify it as a bourbon (which it technically isn't). Unusual, and not instantly appealing but still intriguing and has a lasting sweet, floral, malty finish. The Scotch crowd should give their opinion on this one.

Alcohol-forward aroma. Finishes very hot, which is expected at 61.25 ABV. Honestly, not among my favorites.

It's good, but there's a definite harshness from the alcohol in both the aroma and the taste.

Sweet, like French toast, syrup. Spicy finish.