Barrell Bourbon Batch 034

A little background

Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS), is an award winning independent blender of unique aged, cask-strength whiskey and rum. Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is a blend of 6, 8, 10, and 15-year-old barrels from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. According to BCS, “8-year-old barrels driven by strong hazelnut and dark cherry notes lay a foundation enhanced by high-corn barrels showing browned butter and apricot. We mingled this first step for months before adding high-rye barrels carrying cinnamon and allspice. Finally, a vatting of 10 and 15-year-old barrels was added for earthiness and light tannin. The result is a robust and sophisticated bourbon.” Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 was aged in aged in American white oak barrels before being bottled at 114.62 proof (cask strength) in the state of Kentucky. This Bourbon carries a retail price of $84.99 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Egg custard, orange, lemon chiffon, black tea, baking spice, graham cracker, boiled peanuts, and simple syrup.

Palate

Orange kool-Aid, nutmeg, cinnamon, flat cherry cola, sweet tea, and salty pecan nuts.

Finish

A spike of bitterness on early palate followed by salted peanuts and Oreo cookie notes.

In closing

Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is a well above average bottle of Bourbon that truly shows the remarkable blending capabilities of the Barrell Craft Spirits team. This blend of 6, 8, 10, and 15-year-old barrels from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana come together in a perfect harmony that deliver both balance and loads of flavor. The overall tasting experience is rather sweet, but not in an overwhelming way at all. I  found the flat cherry cola, salted peanuts, and Oreo Cookie notes to balance each other out nicely leaving me reaching for another sip.

At around $85, I find Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 to be priced exceptionally well, as there is plenty of spirits in this bottle that far exceeds the 6-year age statement found on the front label. Two thumb up BCS team, you continue to amaze me.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Barrell Craft Spirits. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.4.