A little background

Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS), is an award winning independent blender of unique aged, cask-strength whiskey and rum. Barrell Bourbon Batch 033 is a blend of 5, 6, 7, and 9-year-old high-rye barrels and high-corn barrels from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. According to BCS, “The high-rye barrels were chosen for their distinct stone fruit, black pepper, and nutmeg notes. The high-corn barrels were chosen for their rich butterscotch, coffee, and citrus notes. Two sets of barrels mingled together for two months, then the balance was adjusted for the most optimal combination”. Barrell Bourbon Batch 033 was aged in aged in American white oak barrels before being bottled at 116.6 proof (cask strength) in the state of Kentucky. This Bourbon carries a retail price of $90 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Lemon candy, honey, baking spice, cinnamon, nuts, peppermint, and rye spice.

Palate

Orange citrus, butterscotch, baking spice, bitter cocoa, and oak.

Finish

Spice, nutmeg, and black pepper, stone fruits, and lingering butterscotch.

In closing

Barrell Bourbon Batch 033 is a well above average bottle of Bourbon that truly shows the remarkable blending capabilities of the Barrell Craft Spirits team. This blend of 5, 6, 7, and 9 year old whiskey drinks well beyond its age and provides a complexity, mouthfeel, and finish that’s typically not seen on bottles this age. Although we don’t know the exact percentage of each barrel that went into Batch 033, one might guess that there is a proportionally higher volume of the younger aged barrels. Now that’s impressive considering how fantastic this is! This is a release that I’d certainly suggest picking up, along with a backup or two.

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.