The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Randall H. Borkus
Rating: B+
Barrell Bourbon 035
(Credit: Randall H. Borkus)
Barrell Craft Spirits has two new expressions: Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 and Rye Batch 004. The latter has been a few years in coming, since Barrell Rye Batch 003 was released back in 2020, but I’ll start with the bourbon.
Barrell Bourbon Batch 035 is a blend that consists of sourced bourbon whiskey consisting of 6, 7, and 8 years old from Indiana, 7 and 13 years old from Tennessee, and 8 years old from Kentucky. This blend is bottled in Kentucky at 117.5 proof cask strength with a production run of 19,062 bottles. Since 6 years is the youngest bourbon in the mix, the age statement is pegged to it. The aggregated mash bill is 78% corn, 18% rye and 4% malted barley.
It’s already won many awards, and I must admit they really hit the mark here. This is delicious bourbon whiskey that is rich, complex and simply enjoyable.
The Bourbon
The color is a dark, caramelized amber in my Glencairn. The whiskey holds on to the sides of my glass like a slender syrup.
The front palate is full of oak influences and dry cinnamon-chocolate sprinkles, with a dusting of Ancho chiles. Then the mid and back palate opens with a dry citrus fruitiness and intense earthy sugars. The finish holds a sugared coconut followed by more cinnamon-chocolate spiciness and oak notes.
Overall, this is a good bourbon whiskey that really shows off Barrel Craft Spirits’ flawless craftsmanship in blending, as well as their ingenious creativity.
The Price
Suggested retail is $84.99 and well worth it.
