The folks at Barrell Bourbon have most certainly ramped up production. New batches are coming in quicker than they used to, or so it seems. Thankfully, quality has not been sacrificed. That is true of this latest release, Batch 013.
A batching of 5-year-old bourbon from Indiana and 5- and 8-year-old high rye bourbon from Tennessee, Barrell Bourbon Batch 013 is presented at the brand’s signature cask strength. In this case, we’re looking at 113 proof.
The nose features hints of kettle corn, cinnamon, and buttered toast with a touch of feint oak. Taste-wise, Batch 013 offers a classic bourbon experience. By that I mean sweet corn, spice and vanilla. Those flavors are presented in a cohesive, balanced manner. Surprisingly, the young-ish 5-year-old Indiana bourbon component doesn’t dominate the palate, but its big corn note does shine in this whisky’s finish. On the mid-palate, a creaminess appears, as well as orange zest. The warming finish features sweet corn and cinnamon sugar.
At the end of the day, Barrell Bourbon Batch 013 is a delicious, corn-forward (though not corn-dominated) bourbon. It’s not among my favorite releases from Barrell, but it’s still nice. I haven’t had a bad batch yet, and I don’t expect to. Barrell founder Joe Beatrice would probably rather quit his job than release a sub-par whiskey. 7.5/10
Thanks to Barrell Bourbon for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
