If, like me, you frequently browse the whiskey selection in liquor stores, you've probably noticed a brand called Barrell. They have a whole bunch of different options, in classy-looking, somewhat oval-shaped bottles and all of them are pretty expensive, mostly approaching $100. I was, tbh, intimidated by this brand for a while, not knowing how to pick one to start, since there was nothing more entry-level and $100 is pricey for a bottle on a whim. But I remained curious and eventually took the plunge.
Barrell Craft Spirits was created in Louisville, KY in 2013. Their founder didn't come from a whiskey background at all and wanted to do it differently. When you think of whiskey production you probably think of a distillery that makes spirit, ages it, and then bottles the whiskey. Many/most places control the entire process and strive for a consistent product over a long period of time. It's, among other considerations, how distilleries build brand loyalty. Barrell, however, is an independent blender. They entirely source their spirit from distilleries all over, age them in their own barrels, and then blend them (combine from different sources) before bottling. At no point do they do any distilling themselves.
The other big difference in how Barrell operates is that everything is small batches, with often significant variation between them due to constant experimentation. On shelves right now I'll see Bourbon batches in the 30s, Rye batch #4, etc. You are very unlikely to find bottles with lower numbers than that, because when they're gone they're gone and Barrell has moved on to the next thing. Barrell says that, while they push the limits of blending, they're traditionalists about many of the other aspects of whiskey making. They don't add any color, they don't chill-filter, and they don't even add water. Every whiskey batch is cask strength, uncut from the barrel.
Besides their mainline Bourbon and Rye batches Barrell does have a number of other offerings, unsurprising with all the experimentation. There's a bunch simply labeled 'Barrell Whiskey' from different spirit and barrel combinations. They have recurring brand names too. 'Dovetail' mixes whiskey aged in Cab, Port and rum casks. 'Seagrass' is a blend of Ryes from rum, Madiera and apricot brandy casks (it's probably the weirdest whiskey I've ever tried and my only other experience with the company). 'Vantage' is a blend of Bourbons finished in Mizunara, French and toasted American oak. Then there's single barrels (store picks etc.) and various limited releases. It's a lot and, luckily, each bottle does tell you more or less what's in it.
I didn't get too crazy, going with what they've been doing the longest and are best known for: Bourbon. My bottle is Batch #32. It cost about $90 at Total Wine. In theory, at this price point, it should be a very high-quality whiskey. But there's only one way to find out.
It must be said that in the last year Barrell released a lower priced option, for the first time ever. Called 'Foundation' it's their only cut expression, brought down to 100 proof, and costs only about $50. This just wasn't where I was going to start.
ABV - 57.67% (115.34 proof)
Mash - unknown (though all whiskies in blend must be 51%+ corn)
Maturation - presumably new charred oak
Age - all whiskies in blend at least 5 years old
Location - 'Distilled in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana, USA'
Price - ~$90
Tasting Notes:
Nose - flowers and fruit, burnt wood and sugar are a sideshow here
Color - solidly brownish-orange, but not the darkest either
Taste - waves of sweet fruits, spices (cinnamon?), rich and luscious in texture and flavors
Finish - surprisingly delicate for the flavor and proof, more spice than anything else
Final Thoughts:
The nose is super interesting, and it's very fruity on the tongue. Really, really good.
When buying this I thought I might have a tough time drawing larger conclusions from a single batch, considering how Barrell operates. I no longer have that worry and wouldn't have a problem buying something else from them. Another Bourbon, a Rye, some kind of store pick? Yes to any or all. They're a great choice for a premium and accessible whiskey. Check 'em out!
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