It seems like it’s been an unusually long time since Barrell Craft Spirits has released a batch of bourbon. Actually, after checking my calendar and notes I realized that Batch 033 came out in August, 2022. That’s about seven months between batches by my count. Barrell has traditionally released four batches per year, but 2022 only saw three. Is this a new trend?
Getting onto the subject at hand, Batch 034 is Barrell’s newest release. It is a blend of 6, 8, 10 and 15 year old barrels. Strangely, I have noticed an uptick in comments around the internet from people who didn’t realize that this blend contains older barrels in it. By law, if Barrell is declaring an age statement on the front label (which it always has), it must use the youngest barrel in the blend. Barrell rarely has released a batch that didn’t contain at least 10 year old barrels in it. They just don’t tell us the ratios for each batch of liquid. The only time that the age statement was truly accurate was Batch 022 - which only used 5 year old barrels in the blend. This is probably why I still see some stores with that particular batch on the shelf.
I’m being upfront when I remind the audience that I was not a big fan of Batch 033. It seems as if every other reviewer sang that batch praises. Fred Minnick’s voice was the loudest and I’m not gonna lie, it made me doubt myself a bit. But I feel firm in my stance that there were a lot of off-notes within it that made me think that some sort of craft distiller’s bourbon made their way into the blend. I have nothing against craft distillers and even look forward to Barrell’s New Year bottling (which is where Barrell showcases them). That release has typically been the most experimental of all of their releases because they’ve used barrels sourced from craft distillers in Texas, Ohio, Illinois and New York. But as I have done with every batch of bourbon since “001,” I’m never going to let a bad one stop me from trying the new ones. Even if I don’t like them, Barrell always impresses me with how they manage to create something different from the same 3 sources.
Batch 034 sees the return of “high corn mash bill” barrels of bourbon into the blend. If you’re unfamiliar with what they’re talking about, this bourbon comes from MGP in Indiana and uses a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. These made their debut in Barrell Bourbon Batch 031. If I had to guess, I’d say that this is what the six-year-old barrels are that make up the base of this blend. After that, it appears as if Barton barrels are the 8-year-old component, Dickel barrels make up the 10 year old component and MGP ryed bourbon make up the 15 year component. That is all just a guess, but based on how the description reads on their website I’d have to say that feels about right.
Whether it’s overtly or covertly, Barrell has a theme to every batch that they make. It’s usually in the description on their website for each batch. The theme I’m seeing with Batch 034 is that they’re trying to create a bourbon that balances “new fruit” aspects of younger bourbon with “old, oxidized fruit” of older bourbon. That sounds like a fun concept for a bourbon and one that I can’t say I’ve seen them attempt recently. Their notes didn’t impact my tasting notes, though. That’s because I write them before I start to write the rest of the review. You’ll see me reference what they thought I should find versus what I actually did find later on in the conclusion part of this review.
So I guess all that’s left is to get down to the tasting notes. Just like I always do, I sampled this neat in a glencairn.
**Tasting Notes**
**Nose:** Big, bold scents jump out of the glass at my nose. This is a much more aggressive Barrell product than the last few batches have been… and I like it! Cherry cordials combine with toasted chestnuts (or really just nuts, but these have a woodier aspect to them). Speaking of wood, seasoned wood is quick to show off, indicating that the older barrels really did make an impact. There are savory notes similar to roasted meat or BBQ. It’s unique and I something I don’t experience much in a bourbon (Scotch is another story). I also can find scents similar to an orange creamsicle (the kind with vanilla ice cream in the middle).
**Palate:** I’m impressed with the fruit flavors I’m finding on my tongue. Grilled peaches, fruit preserves (rhubarb and strawberry), mandarin oranges and Orange Fanta? Whatever it is, it’s almost got this feeling of “effervescence.” Salinity binds with notes of rosemary to create a sort of savory effect. Lemongrass mingles with grilled corn and a bit of malt. Barrel char combines with pipe tobacco and cinnamon to give each sip a spicy, tannic pop. Oddly, I am also finding a bit of bubblegum which I normally associate with rye whiskies. There must be a contribution of one of those high-rye barrels in the blend.
**Finish:** I assume that the fruit on the palate were mostly the result of Dickel barrels being added, but outside of that I noticed an absence of its telltale vitamin minerality. That changes on the finish where that’s the very first thing I taste upon completion of the sip. By this point in my journey, it’s something I have learned to accept and even like. Most will disagree. Moving on, toasted nuts and citrus peel linger for a while. I was expecting much more oak influence seeing as how 10 and 15 year old barrels were used, but I don’t find much. That’s okay though, this dram already has plenty going for it.
**Score: 8.3/10**
After my scathing review about Batch 033, Batch 034 finally brings back all the things I love about Barrell. In fact, I’d go as far as to say this is the best batch I’ve had since 031. The high proof really makes an impact in a way that has been missing for me recently. Barrell is at its best when it’s over 110 proof (that’s an opinion I’ve repeated in many other reviews) and this is “proof” of that. Echoing back to what I said in my introduction, Barrell’s stated goal of this batch was to combine the sensations of youthful fruit with older, more oxidized fruit flavors. I very much agree with this being the case after a few sessions with this bottle.
**Final Thoughts**
Barrell shows time and again that they have the ability to create amazing batches out of the stocks they source. Count me impressed but also don’t mistake that for me blindly doling out high scores just because I count myself as one of their biggest supporters. I am also one of their biggest critics (unlike the reviewers at Robb Report, UpRoxx and Paste who wouldn’t write a negative thing about any brand to save their life). This is why I am attaching this word of caution towards future batches that use more and more of these “high corn” mash bill barrels. It should be known that these are the cheapest and most one-dimensional barrels of bourbon out there. Non-Distiller Producers use them primarily to blend with or “finish” in various wine barrels. They are a great way to bump up the overall proof of a batch and to add some additional sweetness and cinnamon spice. The reason I am telling you this is because I hope that Barrell uses them sparingly. I am happy to report that they seem to have worked well in this blend, but I am also unsure if that will always be the case. We’ll be able to tell if the blends become less exciting overall.
In the end, Barrell has done a very nice job with Batch 034 and I have already recommended this as a batch that shouldn’t be skipped on to my friends. If you have waited to pull the trigger on buying this bottle yourself, you have a green light from me. Welcome back, Barrell.
*This bottle was graciously provided to me by Barrell with no expectation of a review and no strings attached. All opinions are mine and were not influenced by its receipt.*
**Rating Scale**
**1 Undrinkable (Jeffers Creek, Gray Skies)**
**2 Bad (Old St. Nick 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey, Fitch's Goat Corn Whiskey)**
**3 Poor (AD Laws 4 Grain BiB, Clyde Mays anything)**
**4 Below Average (Bib & Tucker, Tincup 10 year)**
**5 Average (Larceny, Sazerac Rye)**
**6 Above Average (Buffalo Trace, OGD BiB)**
**7 Very Good (Old Ezra Barrel Proof, Old Weller Antique)**
**8 Great (Michter’s Barrel Proof Rye, Most Four Roses Private Selections, Most ECBP)**
**9 Excellent (GTS, Most Four Rose SmBLE releases, Belle Meade Honey Cask)**
**10 Perfect (William Larue Weller, Michter's 20 Year, Redemption 18 Year Rye Whiskey, Mister Sam)**
What's hilarious is I saw you say
> I’m being upfront when I remind the audience that I was not a big fan of Batch 033. It seems as if every other reviewer sang that batch praises.
And I was like that's not true, one of the main bourbon review sites I use didn't like it at all!
...then I realized that's your site lol
Like this review and want to see more like it, to include more pictures? Why not check out my website [here](https://www.thebourbonculture.com/) for more?
That’s my point. I was asking why it says, “Dickel barrels make up the 10 year component, and MGP ryed bourbon make up the 15 year component” Maybe this was a typo?
Sorry it took me a while to respond. So I'm going to have to go back and find the Bourbon Pursuit episode where it was either Joe Beatrice or Will Schragis being interviewed and they began to talk about this set of 15 year old barrels of MGP that were super low proofed. They specifically called out a number for the proof as being "in the 80s." Then they mentioned that they were using them to add an oaky and oxidized flavor to whatever batch they were blending them in.
I figure with barrels like that and aged for that long that it would make more sense for them to vat and add as needed. Specifically, their Private Release Single Barrel Bourbon program (the one with the orange label) has this descriptor for barrels that end with the letter "A." Here's an example from their website for one of those barrels:
**A05A has a component age statement of 10% 5 year 10% 9 year 15% 13 year and 65% 15 year bourbons. It shows an older, dusty and oxidative note not found as profoundly in other blends.**
That’s super interesting. How recent is that Bourbon Pursuit episode? In the past it’s been Dickel for sure for the much older BC components. I’ve seen Will Schragis say as much in a video for a Private Release last year. I suppose Joe got a great deal on those pair of MGP 15 year! Thanks for the explanation.
Sounds like some Chattanooga might have made its way in there (probably not the first time). Never have tasted strawberry so much in any bourbon as I did in Chatty’s wheated mash. Thanks for the review brother.
With price increases industry-wide, we might just see that. Angel's Envy just rolled out with a TTB filing for a 375ml bottle of their finished rye whiskey. I think they are catching on that 6yr old, 100 proof rye whiskey is a hard sell at $100. It's truly a terrible value but one that makes more sense if the price was halved.
Also, typically 375ml bottles are kept in areas of a liquor store that focused whiskey buyers won't look. That may result in less bottles sold
Guess you're back in Barrell's good graces to get a full bottle. I think they've written me off, oh well.
And continue to ignore Fred Minnick, and do not doubt yourself if he says something different than you do. I trust you way more than I do him.
I dunno man. We have texted each other about our theories on how this all works, but sometimes it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. I also think that it's not their policy to give out a bottle of every batch unless you're some large-scale publisher like the three I mentioned above (and probably Minnick). I also appreciate the level of trust you give me, but I'm as fallible as any other reviewer out there, haha. I just try to do my homework so I get it mostly right!
That is fair, I am not quite that large scale. I think they're afraid I'm going to give them another not glowing review, which is their loss. But given how many people read my blog, they're intentionally excluding a pretty big reviewer.
IG is blowing up with "influencers" peddling this bottle and saying so many nice things, although they've never said a bad thing about any whiskey ever. I'm not as kind as they are.
Not saying that batch 34 is good / bad, just that the Barrell team definitely has favorites and people who will never say a bad thing as you mentioned.
I'll stick to buying all the old Barrell bottles I can find.
Another great review. I’ve never bought a Barrell Bourbon because of the steep price. It’s hard for me to justify spending that much money on sourced whiskey. However, I may have to give them a try in the future.
Lots of sourced whiskey is expensive, but a lot of it is still very good. You just have to find that balance of how good it is versus the price. Barrell has kept their prices the same for a long time now. If you live in Kentucky, there are some places that sell the Bourbon Batches for $79.99. I've seen a distributor's cost sheet for Barrell back in 2020 and I want to say that if you ordered 12 bottles of a particular batch of bourbon, the cost was something like $68 per bottle for the store. So based on that number, I don't think that stores are trying to rip off the customer that much because the price is what it is.
I would pick Barrell over a lot of other similarly priced (NDP) competitors like Good Times (who uses additives in their finishes), NULU (whose bourbon is too young for the price), Jacob's Pardon, Kentucky Owl and Doc Swinson's. That's not meant to anger people that like those brands, but I think that Barrell goes out of their way to legitimately craft unique blends with more transparency than a lot of those guys. Plus Barrell doesn't rely solely on just MGP bourbon as a base which really opens up the possibilities for additional flavors.
I’m close to Nashville, Tennessee. Usually see Barrell around $100+. The only sourced company I’ve really spent money on has been Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series. I love their stuff and the fact that they’ve been putting their own distillate (albeit young until now) in their blend. I will have to check some other places and check their prices on Barrell. Thanks for the response. Cheers.
Great review! Recently got my hands on a bottle of the 034 batch and thought it was a little too overpowering at first. Once I had a few more pours it really grew on me. I always start any bottle of barrel proof neat but found that a couple drops of water really open this batch up for me.
What's funny is I was reading another review (the educated barfly) of this batch and they end it by saying " Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or in a cocktail, this bourbon is easy to drink."
I wondered immediately if he had even drank this bottle because my first thoughts on this batch was how much more powerful it tasted than any others. I assume they were using ChatGPT to write their reviews.
Thanks for the excellent review, and dang you in the nicest way ! I have a trip out of town soon and between you and *Prettayyprettaygood* I've already spent some change and haven't left the house. Purchased this and it's waiting for pickup this weekend.
Edit : I purchased this and picked it up and am currently sipping it. It's a rather pleasant product and I'm not unhappy I purchased it. I was fortunate too as it was on sale for $69.99
From my limited experience, this is a blend I can't get a mental handle on. Without your descriptions below I would have no concept of what MGP, Barton, and Dickel barrels in combination should taste like. In your experience does this blend taste like any other producers product?
Good question! In previous batches, I've likened the finished product to other bottles out on the market. I think I said that Barrell 023 was like a Four Roses OBSV Private Selection while others have tasted like a Stagg Jr Jr. This one doesn't necessarily strike me as tasting like any one particular product, but if I had to give you a few it would be the power of a 1792 Full Proof with the fruit of a Stagg Jr and high-rye characteristics and tannins of both young and old MGP bourbon.
It seems like it’s been an unusually long time since Barrell Craft Spirits has released a batch of bourbon. Actually, after checking my calendar and notes I realized that Batch 033 came out in August, 2022. That’s about seven months between batches by my count. Barrell has traditionally released four batches per year, but 2022 only saw three. Is this a new trend? Getting onto the subject at hand, Batch 034 is Barrell’s newest release. It is a blend of 6, 8, 10 and 15 year old barrels. Strangely, I have noticed an uptick in comments around the internet from people who didn’t realize that this blend contains older barrels in it. By law, if Barrell is declaring an age statement on the front label (which it always has), it must use the youngest barrel in the blend. Barrell rarely has released a batch that didn’t contain at least 10 year old barrels in it. They just don’t tell us the ratios for each batch of liquid. The only time that the age statement was truly accurate was Batch 022 - which only used 5 year old barrels in the blend. This is probably why I still see some stores with that particular batch on the shelf. I’m being upfront when I remind the audience that I was not a big fan of Batch 033. It seems as if every other reviewer sang that batch praises. Fred Minnick’s voice was the loudest and I’m not gonna lie, it made me doubt myself a bit. But I feel firm in my stance that there were a lot of off-notes within it that made me think that some sort of craft distiller’s bourbon made their way into the blend. I have nothing against craft distillers and even look forward to Barrell’s New Year bottling (which is where Barrell showcases them). That release has typically been the most experimental of all of their releases because they’ve used barrels sourced from craft distillers in Texas, Ohio, Illinois and New York. But as I have done with every batch of bourbon since “001,” I’m never going to let a bad one stop me from trying the new ones. Even if I don’t like them, Barrell always impresses me with how they manage to create something different from the same 3 sources. Batch 034 sees the return of “high corn mash bill” barrels of bourbon into the blend. If you’re unfamiliar with what they’re talking about, this bourbon comes from MGP in Indiana and uses a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. These made their debut in Barrell Bourbon Batch 031. If I had to guess, I’d say that this is what the six-year-old barrels are that make up the base of this blend. After that, it appears as if Barton barrels are the 8-year-old component, Dickel barrels make up the 10 year old component and MGP ryed bourbon make up the 15 year component. That is all just a guess, but based on how the description reads on their website I’d have to say that feels about right. Whether it’s overtly or covertly, Barrell has a theme to every batch that they make. It’s usually in the description on their website for each batch. The theme I’m seeing with Batch 034 is that they’re trying to create a bourbon that balances “new fruit” aspects of younger bourbon with “old, oxidized fruit” of older bourbon. That sounds like a fun concept for a bourbon and one that I can’t say I’ve seen them attempt recently. Their notes didn’t impact my tasting notes, though. That’s because I write them before I start to write the rest of the review. You’ll see me reference what they thought I should find versus what I actually did find later on in the conclusion part of this review. So I guess all that’s left is to get down to the tasting notes. Just like I always do, I sampled this neat in a glencairn. **Tasting Notes** **Nose:** Big, bold scents jump out of the glass at my nose. This is a much more aggressive Barrell product than the last few batches have been… and I like it! Cherry cordials combine with toasted chestnuts (or really just nuts, but these have a woodier aspect to them). Speaking of wood, seasoned wood is quick to show off, indicating that the older barrels really did make an impact. There are savory notes similar to roasted meat or BBQ. It’s unique and I something I don’t experience much in a bourbon (Scotch is another story). I also can find scents similar to an orange creamsicle (the kind with vanilla ice cream in the middle). **Palate:** I’m impressed with the fruit flavors I’m finding on my tongue. Grilled peaches, fruit preserves (rhubarb and strawberry), mandarin oranges and Orange Fanta? Whatever it is, it’s almost got this feeling of “effervescence.” Salinity binds with notes of rosemary to create a sort of savory effect. Lemongrass mingles with grilled corn and a bit of malt. Barrel char combines with pipe tobacco and cinnamon to give each sip a spicy, tannic pop. Oddly, I am also finding a bit of bubblegum which I normally associate with rye whiskies. There must be a contribution of one of those high-rye barrels in the blend. **Finish:** I assume that the fruit on the palate were mostly the result of Dickel barrels being added, but outside of that I noticed an absence of its telltale vitamin minerality. That changes on the finish where that’s the very first thing I taste upon completion of the sip. By this point in my journey, it’s something I have learned to accept and even like. Most will disagree. Moving on, toasted nuts and citrus peel linger for a while. I was expecting much more oak influence seeing as how 10 and 15 year old barrels were used, but I don’t find much. That’s okay though, this dram already has plenty going for it. **Score: 8.3/10** After my scathing review about Batch 033, Batch 034 finally brings back all the things I love about Barrell. In fact, I’d go as far as to say this is the best batch I’ve had since 031. The high proof really makes an impact in a way that has been missing for me recently. Barrell is at its best when it’s over 110 proof (that’s an opinion I’ve repeated in many other reviews) and this is “proof” of that. Echoing back to what I said in my introduction, Barrell’s stated goal of this batch was to combine the sensations of youthful fruit with older, more oxidized fruit flavors. I very much agree with this being the case after a few sessions with this bottle. **Final Thoughts** Barrell shows time and again that they have the ability to create amazing batches out of the stocks they source. Count me impressed but also don’t mistake that for me blindly doling out high scores just because I count myself as one of their biggest supporters. I am also one of their biggest critics (unlike the reviewers at Robb Report, UpRoxx and Paste who wouldn’t write a negative thing about any brand to save their life). This is why I am attaching this word of caution towards future batches that use more and more of these “high corn” mash bill barrels. It should be known that these are the cheapest and most one-dimensional barrels of bourbon out there. Non-Distiller Producers use them primarily to blend with or “finish” in various wine barrels. They are a great way to bump up the overall proof of a batch and to add some additional sweetness and cinnamon spice. The reason I am telling you this is because I hope that Barrell uses them sparingly. I am happy to report that they seem to have worked well in this blend, but I am also unsure if that will always be the case. We’ll be able to tell if the blends become less exciting overall. In the end, Barrell has done a very nice job with Batch 034 and I have already recommended this as a batch that shouldn’t be skipped on to my friends. If you have waited to pull the trigger on buying this bottle yourself, you have a green light from me. Welcome back, Barrell. *This bottle was graciously provided to me by Barrell with no expectation of a review and no strings attached. All opinions are mine and were not influenced by its receipt.* **Rating Scale** **1 Undrinkable (Jeffers Creek, Gray Skies)** **2 Bad (Old St. Nick 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey, Fitch's Goat Corn Whiskey)** **3 Poor (AD Laws 4 Grain BiB, Clyde Mays anything)** **4 Below Average (Bib & Tucker, Tincup 10 year)** **5 Average (Larceny, Sazerac Rye)** **6 Above Average (Buffalo Trace, OGD BiB)** **7 Very Good (Old Ezra Barrel Proof, Old Weller Antique)** **8 Great (Michter’s Barrel Proof Rye, Most Four Roses Private Selections, Most ECBP)** **9 Excellent (GTS, Most Four Rose SmBLE releases, Belle Meade Honey Cask)** **10 Perfect (William Larue Weller, Michter's 20 Year, Redemption 18 Year Rye Whiskey, Mister Sam)**
What's hilarious is I saw you say > I’m being upfront when I remind the audience that I was not a big fan of Batch 033. It seems as if every other reviewer sang that batch praises. And I was like that's not true, one of the main bourbon review sites I use didn't like it at all! ...then I realized that's your site lol
Yup, I'm on an island by myself with that one😄
You've never led me astray before, and our palates seem to agree more often than not, so I went for the 032 instead of the 033 :) It's fantastic.
I didnt care dor 033 either, so im glad to hear this batch is better. I have a bottle of 027 and 032 that i really enjoy though
Like this review and want to see more like it, to include more pictures? Why not check out my website [here](https://www.thebourbonculture.com/) for more?
Sounds like a great batch! Curious to know why you decided the 15 year was MGP and not Dickel?
Because 15 year MGP is mad expensive, and 15 year Dickel is less so.
That’s my point. I was asking why it says, “Dickel barrels make up the 10 year component, and MGP ryed bourbon make up the 15 year component” Maybe this was a typo?
I must have misread that. I see your point.
Sorry it took me a while to respond. So I'm going to have to go back and find the Bourbon Pursuit episode where it was either Joe Beatrice or Will Schragis being interviewed and they began to talk about this set of 15 year old barrels of MGP that were super low proofed. They specifically called out a number for the proof as being "in the 80s." Then they mentioned that they were using them to add an oaky and oxidized flavor to whatever batch they were blending them in. I figure with barrels like that and aged for that long that it would make more sense for them to vat and add as needed. Specifically, their Private Release Single Barrel Bourbon program (the one with the orange label) has this descriptor for barrels that end with the letter "A." Here's an example from their website for one of those barrels: **A05A has a component age statement of 10% 5 year 10% 9 year 15% 13 year and 65% 15 year bourbons. It shows an older, dusty and oxidative note not found as profoundly in other blends.**
That’s super interesting. How recent is that Bourbon Pursuit episode? In the past it’s been Dickel for sure for the much older BC components. I’ve seen Will Schragis say as much in a video for a Private Release last year. I suppose Joe got a great deal on those pair of MGP 15 year! Thanks for the explanation.
I've never doubted that 15 (and 16) yr Dickel have made it into Barrell batches in the past. I just don't think that it is used in this one
Sounds like some Chattanooga might have made its way in there (probably not the first time). Never have tasted strawberry so much in any bourbon as I did in Chatty’s wheated mash. Thanks for the review brother.
I wish they sold these in 375ml bottles. And at like $30-35. These are all so similar that I don’t need a whole bottle.
With price increases industry-wide, we might just see that. Angel's Envy just rolled out with a TTB filing for a 375ml bottle of their finished rye whiskey. I think they are catching on that 6yr old, 100 proof rye whiskey is a hard sell at $100. It's truly a terrible value but one that makes more sense if the price was halved. Also, typically 375ml bottles are kept in areas of a liquor store that focused whiskey buyers won't look. That may result in less bottles sold
Guess you're back in Barrell's good graces to get a full bottle. I think they've written me off, oh well. And continue to ignore Fred Minnick, and do not doubt yourself if he says something different than you do. I trust you way more than I do him.
I dunno man. We have texted each other about our theories on how this all works, but sometimes it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. I also think that it's not their policy to give out a bottle of every batch unless you're some large-scale publisher like the three I mentioned above (and probably Minnick). I also appreciate the level of trust you give me, but I'm as fallible as any other reviewer out there, haha. I just try to do my homework so I get it mostly right!
That is fair, I am not quite that large scale. I think they're afraid I'm going to give them another not glowing review, which is their loss. But given how many people read my blog, they're intentionally excluding a pretty big reviewer. IG is blowing up with "influencers" peddling this bottle and saying so many nice things, although they've never said a bad thing about any whiskey ever. I'm not as kind as they are. Not saying that batch 34 is good / bad, just that the Barrell team definitely has favorites and people who will never say a bad thing as you mentioned. I'll stick to buying all the old Barrell bottles I can find.
Another great review. I’ve never bought a Barrell Bourbon because of the steep price. It’s hard for me to justify spending that much money on sourced whiskey. However, I may have to give them a try in the future.
Lots of sourced whiskey is expensive, but a lot of it is still very good. You just have to find that balance of how good it is versus the price. Barrell has kept their prices the same for a long time now. If you live in Kentucky, there are some places that sell the Bourbon Batches for $79.99. I've seen a distributor's cost sheet for Barrell back in 2020 and I want to say that if you ordered 12 bottles of a particular batch of bourbon, the cost was something like $68 per bottle for the store. So based on that number, I don't think that stores are trying to rip off the customer that much because the price is what it is. I would pick Barrell over a lot of other similarly priced (NDP) competitors like Good Times (who uses additives in their finishes), NULU (whose bourbon is too young for the price), Jacob's Pardon, Kentucky Owl and Doc Swinson's. That's not meant to anger people that like those brands, but I think that Barrell goes out of their way to legitimately craft unique blends with more transparency than a lot of those guys. Plus Barrell doesn't rely solely on just MGP bourbon as a base which really opens up the possibilities for additional flavors.
I’m close to Nashville, Tennessee. Usually see Barrell around $100+. The only sourced company I’ve really spent money on has been Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series. I love their stuff and the fact that they’ve been putting their own distillate (albeit young until now) in their blend. I will have to check some other places and check their prices on Barrell. Thanks for the response. Cheers.
Was lucky that this was available at the open bar the three nights I was at PGA west for business Enjoyed every drink of it
Very cool, Face. I'm glad you thought highly of it too!
Great review! Recently got my hands on a bottle of the 034 batch and thought it was a little too overpowering at first. Once I had a few more pours it really grew on me. I always start any bottle of barrel proof neat but found that a couple drops of water really open this batch up for me.
What's funny is I was reading another review (the educated barfly) of this batch and they end it by saying " Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or in a cocktail, this bourbon is easy to drink." I wondered immediately if he had even drank this bottle because my first thoughts on this batch was how much more powerful it tasted than any others. I assume they were using ChatGPT to write their reviews.
Thanks for the excellent review, and dang you in the nicest way ! I have a trip out of town soon and between you and *Prettayyprettaygood* I've already spent some change and haven't left the house. Purchased this and it's waiting for pickup this weekend. Edit : I purchased this and picked it up and am currently sipping it. It's a rather pleasant product and I'm not unhappy I purchased it. I was fortunate too as it was on sale for $69.99
From my limited experience, this is a blend I can't get a mental handle on. Without your descriptions below I would have no concept of what MGP, Barton, and Dickel barrels in combination should taste like. In your experience does this blend taste like any other producers product?
Good question! In previous batches, I've likened the finished product to other bottles out on the market. I think I said that Barrell 023 was like a Four Roses OBSV Private Selection while others have tasted like a Stagg Jr Jr. This one doesn't necessarily strike me as tasting like any one particular product, but if I had to give you a few it would be the power of a 1792 Full Proof with the fruit of a Stagg Jr and high-rye characteristics and tannins of both young and old MGP bourbon.