The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B
Barrell Whiskey Private Reserve (note the picture is not BH-01)
(Credit: Barrell Craft Spirits)
The first in the 48 (yes, that number is correct) permutations of Barrell Craft Spirits‘ BH Private Release series took an 18 year old Kentucky whiskey and finished it in a Sauternes cask. For casual drinkers and narrowly obsessed bourbon enthusiasts, some explanation is needed for those two terms.
“Kentucky whiskey” is usually a euphemism for a distillate usually destined for bourbon-making, but aged in cheaper, used barrels instead of the new oak mandated by Federal law. The best-known example is Early Times. However, the term could be applied to any number of odd interpretations of whiskey that do not readily fit into the defined categories (bourbon, rye, malt, wheat, corn, etc.). So, one can make a guess about this, but until Joe Beatrice decides to/is allowed to tell us, we won’t really know.
Sauternes is a French sweet wine, made in a particular part of Bordeaux with just three white grape varietals, and as a kicker those grapes must be suffering noble rot. Thus, the grapes are halfway to being raisins when they are made into wine.
Barrell Whiskey BH-01 was bottled at 116.35 proof, uncut and at cask strength, as usual with Barrell Craft Spirits offerings.
The Whiskey
BH-01 has a gold coloring in the glass, which is about what one should expect even after long aging in a used cask. The nose is rich with fruit, a fruitiness that has a deep and moody character, this accented by a tinge of cinnamon. The flavor develops that thick, fruity character from the nose, bringing out as pears and honey in the main, with a sliver of wood. The finish is light and fruity, and just a touch woody. Overall, Barrell Whiskey BH-01 Sauternes is a nice sipping whiskey, especially if you put a hefty splash of water or a few ice cubes in it, but it’s one of those Barrell Craft Whiskey releases that are not truly outstanding in any way.
The Price
Official pricing across the board for the Private Release series is currently $109 per bottle.
