New Year, New Year Barrell Bourbon. Also someone check me, but I think their ABV-proof math is a little off.

Nose: A dueling pianos of cornbread versus dark fruit makes for an immediately pleasing and powerful introduction. Honestly I was struck by how eerily it reminded me of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, given how prominent the cherry and apricot notes were. There’s not much heat here to be 113 proof, letting the fruit notes do the heavy lifting.

Palate: There’s a lot to sort through in a great way; to paraphrase The Dude, there’s a lot of in’s and outs, a lot of what have you’s. Unlike my usual experience with high-end barrel proof monsters, where the flavors progress like a symphony from movement to movement, this is a chorus. There’s a lot of flavors voicing themselves, but it all works together and never devolves to chaos. The choir members include cherry, marzipan, oak, a powerful vanilla, and a blend of several kinds of citrus (I can parse out lemon zest and orange rind, but it feels like there’s some more in here). It’s Blanton’s by way of Russell’s Reserve, if I had to make a comparison. The heat does an excellent job of toning down the sweet without ever stepping on the flavors.

Finish: Lengthy, and longer than the Barrell Dovetail I had eons ago. Tannins and oak rush to center stage out of the palate, showcasing the older barrels in this blend. It’s a solid, classic finish that shows some traditionalism after the free improv of the palate.

Summary: The latest and last of a parade of amazing bottles I received for Christmas, this bottle more than holds its own. I’d love to see a professional sommelier or bourbon critic work through this one — it’s a Tolstoy novel in its complexity. All Barrell Bourbon does is churn out great blend after great blend, but this one might be among their absolute best work ever. 

Image courtesy of Jon who also writes on Low Class & High Proof.

Low Class & High Proof

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