Barrell Bourbon 12 Year Toasted American Oak Cask Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Appearance: Damp mesquite wood chips going into the smoker

Nose: Decadent cinnamon roll, Almond Joy, and maple syrup aromas roll up from the glass. Beneath that sweet, toasted oak lies a classic nose balanced between sponge cake and clover. Licorice root leads a large pack of baking spices that evoke the profile of aromatic bitters and even tip into potting soil territory. Jammy strawberry and cherry are joined by lemon zest to complete the image of an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Palate: The extra helping of oak foregrounds woodsy notes of blonde tobacco, earl grey tea, and campfire ash. The character is dark and subterranean, with crystallized ginger, roasted parsnip and mushrooms. Chewy tannins buoy the slightly syrupy texture turning cocoa powder into brownies and mint into fernet. Running through it is a vein of cucumber and lychee providing a counterpoint of freshness.

Finish: Unexpectedly bright with the lychee and matcha bursting forth. They linger quite a while but their departure leaves behind a creamy finish of almond milk, coconut flakes, and a drop of chocolate liqueur.

With a splash of spring water
A quick release of orange peel on the nose. The dessert notes still dominate, but now include pecan pie, creme brûlée, and black cherry soda. The palate takes on nocino liqueur, black coffee and hot cocoa with marshmallows. The freshness does expand to include papaya, honeydew melon, and even a drop of lemonade.