If you read my blog I have become rather enamored with Barrell lately. What makes their whiskies so much fun is that each batch is different. The Bourbons I have tried thus far, batches 7b and 13, have both been amazing. I was pretty excited to pick up a bottle of Batch 14 today.

This particular batch is Kentucky and Tennessee bourbon at cask strength. The color is golden mahogany, if that is such a thing. Nose is all fried apple pie with cinnamon. Palate is candied fruit, Steen’s cane syrup and thinly sliced toasted almonds. The finish betrays where the Kentucky whiskey came from-Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig; maybe Beam but I am thinking Heaven Hill. But the finish is almond butter meets Peychaud’s bitters. On the whole, this whiskey reminds me of a really good Knob Creek old fashioned, and yes there is a Luxardo cherry note in there.

While I have to say I like Batch 13 better with its high rye MGP bourbon in the mix, batch 14 is pretty amazing. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is really into Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Booker’s, and high Proof Knob Creek releases. This will knock your socks off.

I really like Barrell. Ever whiskey of theirs I taste is an experience to be savored.