Barrell Bourbon Batch 001

Tonight I'm excited to review the first product from Barrell Bourbon: Batch 001. I had a great conversation with Joe, the founder of Barrell Bourbon and we discussed our mutual passion for barrel proof whiskey as well as his new company. Joe informed me that every batch they bottle will be different from the previous, and that the company thrives on that freedom. These folks are certainly passionate about small batch bourbon.

Batch 001 was distilled in TN and aged in KY. The mash bill for this bourbon is 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley. Aged in new charred oak barrels for 5 years and bottled at 121.6 proof. 

Color: Golden amber- you can see slight barrel char sediment which really gives this juice added character.

Nose: The initial whiff is extremely inviting. Vanilla, honey, orange peel, marshmallows, baked cherry pie, caramel, walnuts, cinnamon, rye spice. 

Taste: The mouthfeel is thick and coats my tongue graciously.  Burnt sugars, maple syrup, applesauce, citrus, cinnamon toast crunch, vanilla, nutmeg, sugar cookies, black pepper. A nice balance of sweet and spicy.

Finish: A long, complex, and warming finish with oak char and rye spice.

Conclusion: These folks at Barrell Bourbon have delivered a fine small batch whiskey. I really enjoyed this neat, as the 121.6 proof is, in my opinion, the perfect sweet spot. It provides the bold flavors you hope to expect from barrel proof bourbon without being too hot (like most 130-140 proofers). The flavors are robust and the long finish leaves me wanting more. I certainly recommend this to all bourbon drinkers and look forward to tasting their future offerings.

More information can be found at there website: www.barrellbourbon.com

My rating: A (Great)

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