Barrell Bourbon Batch 021

Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is the culmination of two separate projects used to contrast one another. The first is a blend of 10-year-old barrels from TN, IN, and KY. Barrell sorted these barrels into 3 groups by their most defining characteristics: one group of the most corn-forward and buttery barrels, one group of the woodiest barrels, and one group of easy-drinking lower proof barrels. The result was three different ingredients, each designed to bring a particular aspect to the final product.

• Distilled and aged in Tennessee and Kentucky

• Selection of 10 to 14-year-old barrels

• Aged in American white oak barrels

• Crafted and bottled in Kentucky

• 106.34 proof cask strength bottling

• Mash bill: corn, rye and malted barley

Appearance: Oiled Leather.

Nose: Opens with a tangy blackberry note supported by a dry oaky character. Blonde tobacco, sunflower seeds, iced tea, and cardamom are gradually joined by a growing peppermint note. Sweeter pastry notes such as cider donut, apricot danish and Turkish delights can be found. While not as floral as some batches, the nose is lifted by Creme Yvette, milkweed, pollen and peach skin. Slate and ginger ale offer a refreshing counterbalance.

Palate: Rich and nutty, cocoa butter supports ample macadamia nut, nougat, and tonka bean. Orange blossom honey and apricot are joined by more exotic notes of rose, loganberry and sumac. 

Finish: The blackberry note from the nose returns alongside elderberry, and quince paste that evolve into lingering spicy notes of cocoa nib, aniseed and raspberry leaf.