After tasting and reviewing Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, I can confidently say that it is a unique and complex blend of bourbons. Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is a cask-strength bourbon with an ABV of 57.31%. The blend aims to balance the “new fruit” aspects of younger bourbon with the “old, oxidized fruit” of older bourbon. The result is a bourbon that is both fruity and complex, with a rich and flavorful profile.
Table of Contents
Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 Overview
Product History
Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is a blend of 6, 8, 10, and 15-year-old barrels distilled in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky. The company, Barrell Craft Spirits, is known for creating unique blends of bourbon that are carefully crafted to bring out the best flavors and aromas.
According to the official website, Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is a blend of high-corn barrels that show browned butter and apricot and high-rye barrels carrying cinnamon and allspice. The resulting bourbon has a complex flavor profile that combines the sweetness of dried summer fruits and toasted caramel with the spiciness of rye and cinnamon.
Price Range
The MSRP of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is $90 as of 2023, making it a premium bourbon that is on the higher end of the price range. However, the price is justified by the quality of the product and the unique blend of flavors that it offers.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon opening the bottle of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, I was greeted with a sweet and fruity aroma. The scent of apricot was prominent, along with a hint of hazelnut. As I poured the bourbon into a glass, I also noticed a subtle vanilla note.
Flavor
The first sip of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 was a burst of flavors. The high-corn barrels provided a buttery taste, while the high-rye barrels added a spicy kick. The older barrels gave a hint of oak and a slight bitterness, which was balanced by the sweetness of the younger barrels. The overall flavor profile was complex and well-balanced.
Finish
The finish of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 was long and satisfying. The spiciness lingered on the tongue, while the sweetness provided a smooth finish. The oak notes were more prominent in the finish, giving it a slightly dry aftertaste.
Rating
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Barrell Bourbon Batch 034. The blend of younger and older barrels created a unique flavor profile that was both complex and well-balanced. The bourbon had a smooth finish that left me wanting more. I would rate Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 a solid 8 out of 10.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, I recommend keeping it simple. The complex flavors of this blend can easily be overpowered by overly sweet or tart mixers. Stick with simple mixers like soda water, ginger ale, or tonic water to allow the bourbon to shine through. If you prefer a stronger mixer, try using a small amount of vermouth or amaro to add depth without overwhelming the bourbon.
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Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking for a cocktail that highlights the unique flavors of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, I recommend trying a classic Old Fashioned. The flavors of the bourbon pair perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and the bitterness of the bitters. To make an Old Fashioned, muddle a sugar cube and a few dashes of bitters in a glass. Add a large ice cube and 2 ounces of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034. Stir until chilled, and garnish with an orange twist.
Another great cocktail to try with this bourbon is a Manhattan. The high corn mash bill in this blend pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the vermouth. To make a Manhattan, combine 2 ounces of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.
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Food Pairings
Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 pairs well with a variety of foods. The high corn mash bill gives it a natural sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes. Try pairing it with grilled meats like steak or pork chops. The sweetness of the bourbon complements the charred flavors of the meat.
For a lighter pairing, try pairing Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 with seafood. The hazelnut and apricot notes in the bourbon pair well with the sweetness of shrimp and scallops. Serve it alongside a seafood pasta dish or a simple shrimp cocktail.
Conclusion
After conducting extensive research and analysis, I can confidently say that Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 is a high-quality bourbon that is definitely worth trying.
I highly recommend Barrell Bourbon Batch 034 to anyone looking for a high-quality bourbon that offers a unique and complex flavor profile. With a retail price of $90, it is definitely on the pricier side, but I believe it is worth the investment for any serious bourbon connoisseur.
Related Posts
If you are a fan of Barrell Bourbon Batch 034, then you might also enjoy reading about other whiskey brands and their unique flavors. Here are some related posts that I recommend checking out:
- Weekly Review: Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative Edition: This post by The Whisky Lady reviews a special edition of Old Pulteney whiskey that celebrates the brand’s sailing history. The author describes the whiskey’s notes of fruit and spice, and highlights its smooth finish.
- Weekly Review: Claxton’s Auchroisk 25 years old (1991): Another post by The Whisky Lady, this review explores the unique flavor profile of Claxton’s Auchroisk 25-year-old whiskey. The author notes the whiskey’s fruity and floral aromas, and praises its long, satisfying finish.
- Dream Dram: Black Bull 40 Years Old: This post by The Whisky Lady introduces readers to Black Bull’s 40-year-old whiskey, which has been eagerly awaited by whiskey enthusiasts. The author describes the whiskey’s complex flavors, including notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
- Mark & Manny’s Malt: From Star Wars to Independent Whisky Bottling: This post by The Whisky Lady profiles two whiskey enthusiasts who have turned their passion for the drink into a business. The post describes their journey from Star Wars fandom to independent whiskey bottling, and highlights some of their unique blends.
- Tested For You: SMWS Flavour Behaviour Personality Test: This post by The Whisky Lady explores the link between personality and whiskey preferences. The author takes a personality test to determine which whiskey flavors are best suited to her, and shares her results.
