Barrell Private Release Bourbon A36i

A little background

According to Barrell Bourbon, the Barrell Private Release Bourbon series is an exercise in micro-blending and variations on a theme where they select bourbons of four different ages and blend them into multiple recipes. Each blend number has its own ratios, printed on the label and is constructed in its own ex-bourbon barrel.

Barrell Bourbon Private Release A36i is a combination of 15% 5 year, 35% 9 year, 25% 13 year, and 25% 15 year bourbons. The source of the bourbon that went into these blends is unknown. However, Barrell Bourbon sources whiskey from all over the world including places like Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Canada. Barrell Private Release Bourbon A36i is bottled at 111.22 proof and retails for around $80.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Rust

Nose

On the nose, I’m picking up notes of caramel, peanut, minerality, florality, and oak.

Palate

On the palate, notes of vanilla and allspice start to appear with cherry and peanut in the background.

Finish

This is a medium finish with notes of peanut butter, cinnamon candies, and a touch of oak.

In closing

Barrell Private Release Bourbon A36i is a solid bourbon with a fair amount of complexity to it. It is the kind of pour that continues to change with each sip. For the age of the product, I believe this to be a good value and would recommend it especially for drinkers who enjoy nuttiness in their whiskey profile.

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.