Barrell Bourbon Batch 018 Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

If you take a quick glance at our Whiskey Review Index, you will see we’re very familiar with Barrell Bourbon’s line of limited edition whiskeys, every one of them an uncut expression never to be repeated again. In the almost five years since Batch 001 was released, Barrell Bourbon offerings have developed a strong reputation, well worth the price point they are found at.

This is because the regular Barrell Bourbon batches often score a B+ grade with our contributors. In Batch 018, Barrell Craft Spirits has taken a step up, garnering an A-.

This particular batch is middle aged, blended from stocks of 11, 14 and 15 year old bourbons. Those were sourced from Tennessee (presumably George Dickel’s not-Tennessee Whiskey production) and Kentucky (source or sources unknown). The strength of this particular batch came out at 111.56 proof (55.78% ABV).

The Bourbon
A pour of this exceptional installment takes on a somewhat darker amber look in the glass. Coating the glass puts a viscous sheet of liquid on it, with a beady crown. That sheet is so sticky that it stood some waiting before dropping a leg, and when it did only a couple came down. These were skinny, but solid and moved at their own, determined pace.

The nose was a little hot, surprisingly so for a whiskey in the middle 50s. In went a splash of water, and this brought out a full-bodied, sweet and spicy scent. A thick, heavy base of molasses and vanilla with a glaze of citrus was sprinkled with crushed juniper berries and mint.

A sip revealed a bourbon that was much lighter, as well as milder, on the palate. The traditional candy corn and vanilla sweetness are joined by a pleasant and modest note of cherries, this rounded out by a solid dash of cinnamon and pinches of cardamom and barrel char. The finish launches off of that barrel char, giving it a particularly earthy start, but this fades away fast to leave behind a lingering trace of cinnamon.

When you buy a bottle of Barrell Bourbon, you can count on it being very good, regardless of batch. This one is pretty damned good. Batch 018 is well-rounded, shows some sophistication, and (this being particularly valuable for a late spring-early summer release) has the kind of body to take ice or chilling while losing none of its character.

The Price
At $80 a bottle, this one is a winner. Compare it to similar cask strength offerings and you will soon see what I mean. Grab it while supplies last.