Here’s a refreshing thought – the folks at Barrell Craft Spirits don’t seem to care where they source their whiskeys so long as they find the aromas, flavors, and mouth-feel interesting. Yes, that last bit is subjective, but it plays an important part in blending a compelling whiskey. This is something in which they excel.

Case in point, Batch 003 of their rye whiskey. It includes straight rye whiskies from Tennessee, Indiana, Poland, and Canada. A world whiskey indeed. The 4-year-old rye is bottled at a cask strength of 116.7 proof, or 58.35% ABV.

The whiskey itself is pretty tasty. There’s lots of honey, rye spice, and ripe fruit on the nose, with a sprinkling of cardamon and allspice. Some of the barrels used here are 13-year-old Canadian rye, which contributes a bit of grassiness on the palate. It’s balanced by creamy caramel , dried red fruit, and almonds. Cinnamon stick and a light touch of oak show up on the back palate. The medium-length finish is rather clean and crisp, with a lingering touch of honey and mint.

What’s great about this rye is it’s lack of overt ‘heaviness’. Generally, I find a lot of rye whiskeys to be bold and spicy. Something that is more in line with winter and not summer. With Barrell Rye batch 003, the flavors tend to be carried in a lighter way. Flavors are a bit more spread out, allowing the different rye whiskies used in this blend to shine. It’s full of flavor, but airy enough to be enjoyed outdoors in 100 degree summer heat. I think I just found my rye whiskey for the season.

Thanks to Barrell Craft Spirits for the production sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

On the heels of the initial batch released at the beginning of the year, the second batch of Heaven Hill’s Larceny Barrel Proof is now available. The high proof wheated bourbon received positive praise upon its release. This batch is uncut and comes in at 122.2 proof, which is ever so slightly lower than the previous one’s 123.2 proof.

Wheated bourbons utilize wheat as their secondary grain as opposed to the typical use of rye. They’re still bourbon, which means at least 51% of the mash bill is corn. These whiskies tend to be a little sweeter and softer in character than their spicier rye brethren.

The nose carries hints of green apple, caramel, buttered grits, and some baking spice. Caramel-drizzled coffee cake kicks things off. A creamy vanilla soon develops and adds to the rich mouthfeel. The backend features hints of caramel corn and sandalwood. The finish is long, sweet, and ever so slightly bitter.

Larceny Barrel Proof Batch 0520 maintains the general flavor profile set by the first release. Like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, this whiskey shows me that Heaven Hill might have a new sweet spot with barrel proof releases. This one’s got all the punch of a high proof whiskey but also manages to be very drinkable at said proof.

This release will certainly appeal to Larceny fans who might want just a bit more from their whiskey. Larceny Barrel Proof isn’t quite the bruiser in the flavor department of say, George Stagg or the Van Winkle lineup, but it stands on its own AND is much easier to find than the aforementioned products. Recommended!

Thanks to Heaven Hill for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Barrell Craft Spirits’ latest batch of bourbon hits what I think is their sweet spot at 9 years old. Barrels aged 9, 10, 13 and 15 years comprise this batch, bottled at a cask strength of 56.95%, or 113.9 proof. These barrels contained a high-rye bourbon recipe, which makes me think this whiskey will tend towards the spicy side of the spectrum.

The nose is spicy indeed with hints of fresh cinnamon rolls, caramel, tobacco, and cardamon. Taste-wise, Barrell Bourbon Batch 024 starts with a dark caramel with a slightly earthy undertone. A wave of baking spice quickly develops. Some mid-palate sweetness is provided by vibrant, ripe fruit. More of that tobacco from the nose pops in, adding to the complexity. The long finish features burnt lemon peel and some spice.

Though this whiskey allows the rye in its mash bill to shine, it remains a nicely balanced whiskey. Not too sweet. Not too spicy. Given the ages of the barrels used, oak doesn’t seem to be a dominating flavor either. I also find this drinks less than the 113.9 proof. I didn’t add water or ice, as I don’t think this particular batch calls for it.

I’m continually awed by the characteristics of each batch of bourbon released by Barrell Craft Spirits. They’re kind of like a high-end restaurant who doesn’t have a set menu – they just create what they find interesting. Barrell Bourbon Batch 024 is among my favorite whiskeys this year. I can’t recommend it enough.

barrellbourbon.com

Thanks to Barrell Craft Spirits for the production sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.