Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023
In the whiskey industry, the past is always with you. We've set ourselves apart by always keeping one eye on the future. Maybe that’s why we love celebrating the New Year so much. Every autumn for the past 5 years we've created a very special blend of bourbons as a toast to the new beginnings and fresh energy of the year to come. Making New Year Bourbon gives us an opportunity to see the pillars of our brand through clear eyes, celebrate the inherent creativity of our blending process, and rededicate ourselves to our forward-thinking, quality-driven line of spirits. Barrell New Year Bourbon 2023is a tribute to the optimism that every new year brings. This is a classic bourbon, with caramel on the nose, vanilla and spice on the palate, and a creamy finish. • A selection of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskeys • Distilled in TN, IN, KY, OH, WY, NY, TX & MD • Crafted and bottled in Kentucky • 113.54 proof cask strength bottling • Aged in American white oak barrels
The Tasting Notes
Neat Appearance: Chestnut. Nose: A classic bourbon opening of brioche and caramel. Added to that is a woodsy underpinning of sandalwood and a wisp of smoke. It evolves through a range of sweets: amaretto, coconut macaroons, and cream soda. Gooseberry, quince, and lime cordial add a bit of lift. A range of mineral notes round it out with flint, limestone, and beeswax. Palate: Though cask strength, the heat is kept in check by syrupy oak sugars. Black cherry soda and roasted molé take center stage. Vanilla is notably strong here and joined by fellow oak spices nutmeg, cardamom, and aniseed. The oak is well balanced by herbaceous rye notes along with rose hip, wormwood, and peppercorn. Finish: Candied chili pepper and preserved lemon flash across the palate. Horchata takes over as a creaminess builds, adding white chocolate, and cashew. As the flavors slowly fade, a waxiness lingers on. With a splash of spring water Passionfruit, mango lassi, and ripe banana herald a broad range of tropical fruits. Meanwhile a leafy side expands, exhibiting cigar, tarragon, and peppermint. A rich sweetness overwhelms the palate, converting every note to its liqueur form: limoncello, maraschino, anisette and creme de menthe.
The Cocktail
Of course, New Year’s Eve is best accompanied by a cocktail. The Sidecar is traditionally made with brandy, but this modern version from Karla Green, creative director at Watch Hill Proper in Prospect, Kentucky,highlights Barrell’s New Year 2023 Bourbon instead. Festive ingredients like spiced apple cider syrup and sparkling wine make this cocktail a natural choice for celebratory gatherings like a New Year’s Eve party. ● ½ ounce Chinese 5-spice apple cider syrup (recipe below) ● ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice ● ¼ ounce dry curaçao ● ¾ ounce Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023 ● 1 ½ ounce Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine ● Fresh fennel and dehydrated lemon medal, for garnish Add apple cider syrup, lemon juice, dry curaçao, and Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023 to a shaker filled with ice. Shake quickly but firmly to meld flavors while avoiding over-dilution. Double strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass or coupe, then top with sparkling wine and garnish with fresh fennel and dehydrated lemon medal. Chinese 5-spice Apple Cider Syrup ● 1 tsp Chinese 5-spice powder ● 1 ounce fresh pulp-free lemon juice (strained using a fine-mesh strainer) ● 1 cup organic apple juice ● 1 cup locally produced cider ● 2 cups granulated white sugar Heat apple juice and cider in a medium saucepan to approximately 180 degrees, being careful not to boil. Add spice and sugar, then stir until sugar is dissolved. Transfer syrup into a clear, non-reactive container, such as a mason jar. When cooled, add lemon juice. Store in refrigerator.