Barrell Craft Spirits Bourbon Batch 023 is a blend of 10, 12, and 15-year-old bourbons. It has a strong, distinct nose packed with stewed raisins, vanilla creme brûlée, spiced pear, and a big, dry note of barrel spice. It proves medium in body with a slightly tannic presence and a high amount of heat, and kicks off with flavors of stewed raisins and spiced pears before drying to tobacco and leather at the center.
As we move toward the back, a torched creme brûlée crust takes over, followed by brandy soaked pears and an explosion of cinnamon. Its long, dry finish gradually turns the dial back to oak, seasoned with a lingering note of vanilla custard as the last traces of spice slowly burn out.
Barrell Bourbon Batch 023 is high octane in the best sense of the word, from its impressive proof to its very forward notes of cinnamon and torched vanilla sugar. Yes, this is one bourbon that will make you feel the burn, but it shouldn’t be confused for a one-trick pony. Its complex web of spiced, stewed fruits and chewable tobacco and leather set up a richly satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.
★★★★
Stats:
— 53.89% ABV
— $90
