MORE GOOD NEWS Wine Enthusiast recently reviewed and rated two of our whiskeys, and we're happy to share the results. Barrell Private Release Bourbon A01A earned the highest score of bourbons reviewed: 96 points from Kara Newman, who notes that "while this cask-strength beast opens fiery, adding just enough water brings out a bright and fruity side." She rated Barrell Bourbon Batch 026 93 points, saying, "look for a bold vanilla bean aroma and dusty nutmeg and black pepper at first sip." These prestigious ratings follow our big win at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where we earned 2 Best in Class, 8 Double Gold medals, and 6 Gold medals in total. Bourbon Private Release A01A is sold out. Bourbon Private Release A39A is a comparable blend that is available here. This April, we launched Stellum Spirits, an American whiskey designed for the modern drinker. Stellum features simple elegant blends and single barrels all selected with care and intention. We hit the ground running, earning awards and accolades from competitions and whiskey reviewers. Stellum Rye picked up a Double Gold and Stellum Bourbon earned a Gold at their first-ever appearance at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Stellum Rye also received a Double Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition. Not bad for two whiskeys that have only been on the market for a few weeks!
OUR PRIVATE RELEASE PROGRAM
We'd like to mention how proud we are of our Private Release Program. In addition to Bourbon Private Release A01A's rating in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Bourbon Private Release BA1C and Rum Private Release B617 both won Best in Class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Barrell Private Release Bourbon series is an exercise in micro-blending and variations on a theme. We select bourbons of four different ages and blend them into multiple recipes. Each blend number has its own ratios printed on the label, and is constructed in its own ex-bourbon barrel. With each release, a new set of base bourbons will be selected, so every recipe is only made once. The BCS blending team believes that blending can make bourbons that span the greatest spectrum of flavor. The Private Release program allows an entirely new set of options for those looking for unique and exclusive products. Each blend is a marriage of Bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, and is constructed from a volumetric recipe based on a component age statement. See where these blends are being sold on our website.
IT'S HERE Barrell Bourbon Batch 029 is now available! The base of this blend is an herbal and viscous blend of Indiana bourbons. The blend was expanded with 6 and 7-year-old rye-grain Kentucky bourbon, chosen for its exotic cinnamon spice note, and floral 9 and 10-year-old wheated bourbon. Finally, a small amount of 6, 14, and 16-year-old Tennessee bourbon was added for a fruity nose and a long, oxidative finish. Flavor notes: An initial burst of fruit consisting of Williams pear and dried papaya on the nose, lime cordial on the palate; then a lengthy evolution through rye-driven mulling spices and rich oaky lactones. Ultimately, the profile settles comfortably into an array of dessert notes including treacle tart, milk chocolate, and Boal madeira. For more notes, check the Batch 029 page on our website.
WHISKEY BUZZ
Have you visited the Whiskey Notes section on our website? Check out our interesting facts and intriguing cocktail recipes designed by our Assistant Blender, Nic Christiansen. The latest reviews: Whisky Advocate puts Batch 026 on their list of the 10 Highest-Scoring Whiskies in the Spring 2021 Buying Guide. BCS Founder Joe Beatrice is featured in Bourbon and Banter’s article American Blend - The Future is Here, where he notes the difference between “blended whiskey” and “blending with whiskey.” Uproxx includes BCS Bourbon on their list of The Best Bottles Of Bourbon Whiskey Between (Gulp) $200-$300, calling it "another bottle that easily outshines bottles twice the price." Gear Patrol includes Barrell Bourbon and Stellum Bourbon on their list of The 19 Best Bourbon Whiskeys You Can Buy in 2021. Robb Report lists Armida as one of The 11 Best Cask-Finished American Whiskeys to Drink Right Now. Drinkhacker reviews Barrell Bourbon Batch 028, describing the palate as being "punchy with bright, sweet fruits: brandied cherry, tinned pears, and candied orange peel," rating it a 9/10. Spy.com includes Barrell Bourbon Batch 028 on their list of The 12 Best Bourbons To Drink in 2021. Breaking Bourbon says Barrell Bourbon Batch 028 " will surely please Barrell fans seeking out a spicy, fruity, and well-aged sip." Fatherly includes Barrell Seagrass on their list of The Best Whiskey of 2021…So Far, saying, "with every sip the mouth is greeted with a wash of tropical fruit, followed by a flow of vanilla, herbal notes and rye spice."
GET THE WORD OUT
We like to grow our following organically, so we hope you'll follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to help get the word out about Barrell Craft Spirits.
If you're a bar or retailer that wants to do a Virtual Tasting with us, send an email to contact@barrellbourbon.com. We're happy to participate in and promote these. And of course actual in-person tastings whenever we can!
