The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
Barrell Bourbon Batch 033
Rating: B
Barrell Bourbon Batch 33
(Credit: Randall Borkus)
Barrell Craft Spirits, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is an independent blender of sourced whiskey and rum. They have earned recognition as whiskey design experts, that continue to produce cask strength spirits.
According to their founder Joe Beatrice, “Barrell Craft Spirits was awarded Best Bourbon twice at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) – in 2017 and again in 2020. Other SFWSC awards include Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Overproof Rum, as well as 21 Double Gold medals and 15 Gold medals. We’ve received high honors at the NY International Spirits Competition, LA Spirits Competition, and Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), including Chairman’s Trophy for Barrell Dovetail. Barrell Craft Spirits is highly rated by Whisky Advocate and was named Best American Whiskey of 2018 in Forbes. Our award-winning line of products is currently sold in 48 states throughout the U.S.”
The latest Barrell release is Batch 033 which is a straight bourbon that combines 5, 6, 7, and 9-year-old Bourbon whiskeys all of which were aged in American white oak barrels and distilled in Kentucky, Tennessee, or Indiana. This batch is also combines high-rye and high-corn mash bill whiskeys which combined for two months before being bottled in Kentucky.
The Bourbon
Batch 033 is bottled at cask strength at 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV). My bottle is number #28438. The appearance in my glass is a rich dark amber. The nose is loaded with freshly lemon pie, canned pear and hints of burnt oak sugars. The front and mid palate reminds me fresh cut citrus peel, burnt apple candies, baking spices and a splash of mocha-vanilla pudding. The finish is mineral-ly (Tennessee) as one would expect from such a blend. It warm guaranteeing a Kentucky hug which might be a little too forward for some. I added 4 drops of water and the mineral over tone calmed and enjoyed touches of sweet wild flowers, chamomile Carmel mid palate. The water further opened the finish for me and brought forward hints of sweet melon and fresh cut coconut.
Overall, I really enjoyed this whiskey. Furthermore, I was surprised with the complexity of the flavor profile as this whiskey drinks much older than I expected. My general rule with Barrel Bourbon purchases is the youngest whiskey in the blend must be at least 10 years for the batch to come out well. Batch #33 gives me pause to rethink that rule.
The Price
The retail price for a bottle of Barrell Bourbon Batch 033 is $79.00 in Chicago and there is plenty on the shelf for the time being.
