Barrell Rye Batch 001 Whiskey Review

The folks at Barrell Craft Spirits have finally answered my prayers with the release of their first batch of rye whiskey.  This initial batch is aged 4.5 years and features rye whiskies distilled in Indiana and Tennessee.  A combination of  “sweeter malted barley rye barrels and spicy high rye barrels”, Barrell Rye Batch 001 comes across as a bit different than you’re used to.  I’ll explain in my tasting notes below.  Barrell Rye is bottled at a cask strength of 58.5% abv, or 117 proof, to preserve the full character of the spirit.

Rye grain is at the forefront of both the nose and palate.  On the nose, the whiskey comes across as rich and buttery as well as spicy.  Here, the spice I refer to is cinnamon and allspice.  A bit of caramel and a touch of vanilla extract round out the nose.  On entry, an initial blast of buttery toffee transitions into waves of spice, butterscotch, and slightly herbaceous notes.  The interplay of sweet and spice is nice here.  The finish is long, with slightly sweet toasted rye bread and dark malt lingering.

It seems the intention with Barrell Rye Batch 001 is to put a spotlight on the grain.  That is partially accomplished with the young age.  What makes this release unique is the blending of two completely different types of rye whiskies.  The end result is a grain-forward rich, sweet and spicy rye whiskey.  While not utterly complex, Barrell Rye Batch 001 is immensely enjoyable.  Part of the fun is realizing you’re drinking something just a bit different than you’re used to.  7.5/10

Barrellbourbon.com

Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Wine Cask Blend Whisky Review

Whisky giant Johnnie Walker looks to be having fun playing around within their experimental series known as Blender’s Batch.  Last year, the U.S. market saw the release of a 10-year-old Triple Grain American Cask whisky.  Just last month, Johnnie Walker dropped their Wine Cask Blend.  This new blend was led by Aimée Gibson, a member of the Johnnie Walker blending team.

According to a press release, Wine Cask Blend was influenced by experimentation of maturation in wine casks.  The NAS whisky is partly comprised of malts from Clynelish and Roseisle, and grain whiskies from Cameronbridge.  As the name states, some of the whiskies used in the blend were matured in wine casks.

If you’re expecting the signature smoky touch synonymous with Johnnie Walker, look elsewhere.  Wine Cask Blend is light and fruity on the nose, with a certain youthful character coming through at times.  Light malt and raspberries fill the nose, with hints of vanilla and green apples.  On entry, toffee apples and berries dominate.  Maybe some raspberry jam? Those notes provide the sweet side of the whisky, which is balanced by some citrus and a hint of spice.  There is slightly vibrant (read: young) malt in the midpalate.  The grain whiskies add a vanilla-tinged creaminess to the experience.  The clean finish features hints of a berry tart.

Bottled at 40% abv, Johnnie Walker Wine Cask Blend is a very smooth whisky.  The $29.99 per bottle asking price isn’t a big hit on your wallet.  I would say I’m not in love with this blend, but I’ve returned to it several times and have quite enjoyed each dram.  It’s different from any core range Johnnie Walker by a mile.  I’ve tasted this whisky neat each time I’ve gone to it.  Maybe it’s the summer heat, but I can see this in a sort of highball.  A few berries.  A splash of club soda.  A sprig or two of fresh mint or even an orange twist.  After all, this blend was designed with cocktails in mind.  That could explain the whisky’s airy and fruity character.  Bottom line, don’t expect a bold, smoky Johnnie Walker.  If light and fruity is your thing, Wine Cask Blend will be right up your alley. 7/10

Johnniewalker.com

Old Forester Statesman Bourbon Review


When the trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle debuted online, I literally jumped for joy.  Kingsman was an insane thrill ride.  It’s sort a of 007 on speed all the while winking to the audience.  The sequel, which opens in theatres this Friday, looks to be even wilder.

Movie tie-ins are nothing new.  Sometimes they seemed forced, but every now and then they’re done right.  In the first film, the cover for the secret organization was a tailor’s shop.  In the new film, their American counterpart’s cover: a Kentucky bourbon distillery.  The filmmakers teamed up with none other than Old Forester to create a quality bourbon that would fit right in with the over-the-top world of The Kingsman.

Not that the bourbon is over-the-top.  Well, maybe a little.  This ain’t the Old Forester you’re used to.

The nose is notably spicier than the standard Old Forester.  There is lots of oak spice, which makes me think a lot of the barrels for this release were pulled from upper warehouse floors.  Some hot cocoa, vanilla extract and caramel balance out that spice.  On entry, a sort of spiced vanilla custard, the kind topped with ground cinnamon, plays strongly and is complimented by orange zest.  Some baking spice and a hint of leather on the midpalate add more complexity.  The finish is long, with orange dreamsicle and mint lingering.

Old Forester set out to make a whiskey that balanced spice and heat, and they’ve succeeded.  The volume’s turned up from the standard Old Forester flavor profile, but is still built around the distillery’s DNA.  The whiskey is both familiar and new.  I know what I’m sneaking into the theatre when I watch this film.  7.5/10

Oldforester.com