Barrell Craft Batch 31 Bourbon

Introduction

A blend of straight Bourbon Whiskeys. Distilled and aged in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana, bottled in Kentucky.

Selection of 6, 7, 10, 15, and 16-year-old barrels, aged in American white oak barrels.

111.2 proof cask strength bottling

Neat

Appearance Deep Gold.

Nose A rush of dry, notable oak, incorporating wormwood, tobacco, and pine needles. Curious and sweet with browned butter, candied walnut, and spiced apple pie. Other notes balance between woodsy and floral, such as thistle, milkweed, and poppyseed. As we emerge beyond the scope of oak, we find some fruity and sweet cream notes, the latter represented by peppermint latte and vanilla creme anglaise.

Palate Moderate sweetness and juicy citrus make for quite an easy pour. The fruit sings loudest here — pomegranate juice and strawberry rhubarb pie. Extractive elements of spice and tannin bring quince and ginger beer into the equation. The baking spice nods toward a Manhattan, garnished with an orange twist. Finally, some marshmallow root and pumpernickel take it in an earthier, cardoon-like direction.

Finish A quick burst of heat announces smoked paprika, black peppercorn, and spearmint. As it subsides, demerara rum and black cherry soda emerge. Finally, it fades to leave only a little chalk and slate.

With a few drops of spring water

As is often the case, the oak gets pushed way back to reveal abundant tropical fruit, especially lime and passion fruit. The woodsy/floral balance also pitches over into the bouquet, displaying apple blossom, dogwood and rose. Creamed honey and grilled peach take over the plate, leaving behind fresh young ginger in the finish.