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It seems like a broken record, but Barrell Craft Spirits has done it again with Barrell Bourbon Batch 34. This blend of 6, 8, 10, and 15-year-old barrels has gone in a completely different direction than the sweeter Batch 33. Barrell always keeps you guessing with their whiskeys. They create a whiskey for every mood. Batch 034 is no different.
Rating: 81
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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| Value |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 81
Spicy oak with some brown sugar, cinnamon butter, and creamy butter start on the nose of Barrell Bourbon Batch 34. The oak seems to work with brown sugar to provide a seasoned feel more decadent than its 6-year label suggests. However, the spice is what catches your attention initially. After you start drinking, some very mild dark cherry reveals itself. Still, this is not an overpowering aroma but leans more toward the soft end of the spectrum. Is that honeysuckle? Strange, but some floral notes open up as I get deep into the experience.
Palate Review - Rating: 82
On the palate, initially, Barrell Bourbon Batch 34 is an aggressive and bold, spice-driven palate that is hot on the first couple of sips. It is also a little salty initially. After the initial shock from the tannic heat, the character of this bourbon started to reveal itself as my palate settled down. Interestingly, you discern the baking spice flavors and spiced cinnamon butter more on the mid palate and beyond. Initially, the words that come to mind when I drink this are spice and butter, butter and spice. Still, the deeper you get into the pour, the more complex it becomes with a peppery and savory backbone. Your palate starts to acclimate to the tannins and the various notes. Mild savory mint, nuttiness, and pepper are present. The experience becomes soft, moderately creamy, and rich, with just a touch of sweetness.
Finish Review - Rating: 85
This is one of the most flavor-packed finishes I have ever had. The same notes you get on the palate are even more so on the finish. That is an unusual tasting experience for me.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 78
I gave Barrell Bourbon Batch 34 extra points because of its robust finish.
Value Review - Rating: 80
Barrell Craft Spirits' price point of $79.99 seems to be getting more and more appealing each month. Please do not change.
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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