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Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024 is the latest edition of Barrell Craft Spirits limited yearly bourbon release. This remarkable bourbon is a blend of eight bourbons with twelve different ages. The result is a derived mash bill of 72% corn, 22% rye, 5% malted barley, and 1% wheat, forming a unique blend of flavors and characteristics that showcase the expertise and craftsmanship of Barrell Craft Spirits. However, enough of the poetry; here is my review of Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024.
Rating: 80
| Nose |
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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
The nose of Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024 is creamy with subtle spice. The base is enhanced by notes of honey, cherries, baking spices, and a little ethanol. Let the glass sit for a while, and then you'll enjoy creamy vanilla creamsicle notes. Sip it and let the glass sit, and it changes into a lemon vanilla creamsicle.
Palate Review - Rating: 80
The initial notes on the palate of this neat drinking experience are honey, corn, and salted caramel sweetness, quickly followed by a burst of baking spices. The spice is what you notice first once it hits your tongue. The sweetness of Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024 sneaks up on you after the initial burst of peppery rye spice. While a low level of vanilla honey sweetness is always present, the mint and baking spices stay with you. As you would expect with many Barrell products, there is a level of oiliness, but it is low to moderate in density. I hold Barrell Craft Spirits to a high standard, and while this is a good bourbon, there are a few dubious flavor notes on the back end (spearmint) that keep this expression from being in the upper echelon of Barrell whiskeys or on the level of the wonderful Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023.
Finish Review - Rating: 79
On the finish of Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024, the baking spices (particularly dried cocoa powder and fresh spearmint) hang around forever. The heat radiates in the middle of your chest but does not burn.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 80
I have to give Barrell Craft Spirits points for their complex blending of 8-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, 5, 6, & 9-year-old Indiana Bourbon, 8 & 15-year-old Tennessee Bourbon, 11-year-old Wyoming Bourbon, 5-year-old New York Bourbon, 5-year-old Texas Bourbon, 5-year-old Ohio Bourbon, and 5 & 6 years old Maryland Bourbon.
Value Review - Rating: 78
Still in the $79.99 range means that Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024 is worth purchasing, but don't expect to be blown away by the tasting experience.
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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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