Barrell Whiskey Private Release CS01 Irish Whiskey Finished in Spanish Brandy Casks

During my childhood, I frequently listened to the radio. I hadn't recalled it for years, but I remember a recurring game where a very brief song snippet, lasting less than a second, was played, followed by the announcer saying, “...be the first caller to identify that song, and you’ll win…” This whiskey brought that game to mind. Let me elaborate. On the nose, there's a distinct ethanol presence (which I'd anticipate at 65% ABV), alongside pleasant fruity and grain sweetness. The palate offers a strong introduction of robust cereal notes and fruit flavors, more in line with a cognac finish than the apple and pear typically found in Irish whiskeys. However, this initial taste is so fleeting that I couldn't identify it more precisely. A fraction of a second after this initial entry, a powerful wave of ethanol takes over, persisting extensively without any return of the initial flavors. I gradually introduced water, but the experience remained consistent, with everything becoming progressively milder. Eventually, I added enough water to temper the ethanol, but by then, the appealing initial notes had been diluted to something that faintly resembled watery cognac. While I generally enjoy higher-proof spirits, I admit that anything above 60% ABV can be challenging for me. Furthermore, I've yet to grasp why some whiskeys react favorably to water, while others don't. For instance, I find Dovetail integrates water beautifully, presenting as essentially the same whiskey regardless of proof, just varying in intensity. Therefore, I'm intrigued but certainly not captivated. Those who never find a whiskey excessively strong may have a considerably different impression. My thanks to a friend for the sample!

This is my initial experience with any Barrell whiskies, and it strikes me as funny that my first encounter is with an Irish whiskey. Few people can likely claim that. Thanks to a friend, I have the chance to sample something from a world-class blender of whiskey. Nose: Peppermint is immediately apparent, along with notes of shortbread cookie and red fruits like cranberry and strawberry. It's certainly sweet, but there are also spicy and dusty elements, such as allspice, clove, and nutmeg. The 65% alcohol content is surprisingly well-hidden. Curiously, the aroma reminds me of early batches of High West Campfire. An interesting beginning. Palate: Similar to the nose. Peppermint is the most prominent flavor. I also detect shortbread cookie, strawberry, and cranberry. It's like biting into a Hawaiian Gusher candy. There's a lot of vanilla, plus oak, nutmeg, and clove spice. Finish: Very extended. Exceptionally spicy with a significant ethanol impact. It's intense. Some of the peppermint carries through, followed by an onslaught of spice: cinnamon, black pepper, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and oak. It borders on being excessively spiced, but I find it enjoyable nonetheless. This is a commendable whiskey. My only critique is that it prioritizes raw power over complexity. While I don't object to the power, I would have appreciated more depth. It's undoubtedly one of the more intriguing Irish whiskies I've sampled. I believe it could be even better with more time aging in the casks. Still, I appreciated it for what it is. I'm eager to try another Barrell product, likely a bourbon this time. Thanks to a friend!

Barrell has adopted a truly remarkable, likely brilliant, approach: small batches of highly tailored blends finished in various casks. These are limited to around 120 bottles per type. Varieties include 18-year-old whiskey finished in Italian amaro, 18-year-old whiskey finished in German ice wine, and more. Each kind has no more than 120 bottles, all priced around $100. This particular one caught my eye as it was the only non-American offering. So, every Friday, I have a little custom. Since I only have about one ounce (3-4cl) each week, I really look forward to it. On Mondays, I choose the whiskey for Friday. I pour it into a sample vial. During the week, I occasionally open the vial to smell the bouquet. It makes the Friday pour much more enjoyable. All week I was anticipating this one. It smelled like a fruit basket of lychees and pineapples. Finally, Friday night arrived – relaxing with Netflix... poured into a glencairn. That pineapple aroma filled the air. The taste begins with the fruit basket but shifts abruptly to a slight bitter note, somewhat grape-like, presumably from the brandy. I didn't care for that small change; I would have preferred the fruit to be more prominent, but I suppose that's the nature of the brandy finish. I'd rate the aroma a solid 4 and the taste a 3.