I am a whiskey enthusiast, tried Barrell Dovetail and felt compelled to share my thoughts on this unique offering. Barrell Dovetail is part of the Barrell Whiskey line – a range of highly experimental blends curated by Barrell Craft Spirits. Unlike other whiskeys in the line, Dovetail is not given a batch number but instead goes by its distinctive name.

I discovered that Dovetail stands apart from other spirits due to its intriguing blend of three different finishes. For fans of finished whiskeys like myself, this aspect adds to its allure. Released in various editions since 2019, the most recent 2022 Gold Label Dovetail release seems to have garnered significant praise for its unique taste profile and delightful complexity.

Throughout my tasting experience, I found the rum and wine cask finishes to be quite prominent, providing a balanced interplay of sweetness with complementary spice and barrel notes. As I delve into my personal review of Barrell Dovetail, I’m excited to share more about this remarkable spirit with fellow whiskey aficionados.

Barrell Dovetail Overview

Product History

Barrell Dovetail story is quite fascinating. Dovetail is a unique blend created by Barrell Craft Spirits, known for their experimental approach to crafting whiskeys. Unlike their traditional batch releases, which include bourbon, whiskey, and rye, Dovetail was given a name to emphasize its distinct character. This intriguing concoction involves blending whiskeys from various distilleries in Indiana and Tennessee, such as the well-known MGP and Dickel.

Dovetail was released under the Barrell Whiskey line, representing some of the distiller’s most innovative blends. The success of this whiskey can be attributed to the careful selection of underlying whiskeys and the combination of various finishes – rum casks, Port pipes, and Cabernet casks from Dunn Vineyards.

Price Range

When it comes to price, Barrell Dovetail falls within the higher-end segment of the whiskey market. The original MSRP for Dovetail was around $80 in 2019. However, keep in mind that the price might have changed since then and could vary depending on where you purchase it. It is currently priced around $100 at Drizly and Wine Searcher.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon nosing the Barrell Dovetail, I’m greeted by a lovely combination of dark fruits, brown sugar, and floral notes. There’s also the presence of oak, spice, and a hint of caramel. The aroma makes me excited to dive into the taste.

Flavor

As I take my first sip, I’m immediately struck by the complex flavors that Barrell Dovetail brings to the table. The initial sweetness of honey and vanilla gives way to rich dark fruits, tropical notes, and a touch of raisins. The oak and rye character provides a nice backbone, while the warmth of cinnamon and baking spice notes adds dimension. I can’t help but be impressed by the balance of sweet, fruity, spicy, and oaky flavors in this whiskey.

Finish

The finish on Barrell Dovetail is just as memorable as its aroma and flavor. The warmth of baking spices lingers, alongside hints of butterscotch, toffee, and graham cracker. There’s also a subtle nutty character and the delightful taste of praline that closes the experience. The finish is long and satisfying, without any overpowering heat.

Rating

Considering the elements of aroma, flavor, and finish, I would confidently give Barrell Dovetail a well-deserved score of 89/100. The harmonious blend of flavors is appealing, and I find it to be a genuinely enjoyable whiskey to savor. I am impressed with the careful balance achieved in this whiskey, and it’s certainly one I will return to in the future.

Mixing and Pairing

Barrell Dovetail offers a unique tasting experience due to the intriguing finishes from cabernet, port, and rum. In this section, I’ll discuss some of the best mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings to complement this delightful bourbon.

Best Mixers

When it comes to mixers for Barrell Dovetail Bourbon, choosing ingredients that enhance its flavors is essential. Thanks to its unique finishes in cabernet wine barrels, late bottled vintage port pipes, and black strap molasses casks, some mixers that work well include:

• Ginger ale: Adds a nice spicy touch that complements the bourbon’s pepper and clove notes.
• Club soda: Helps to highlight the fruitiness from the red wine and port influence, while taming the overall strength.
• Cranberry juice: Brings out the sweet and fruity undertones from the Dunn Vineyards cabernet barrels.

Cocktail Suggestions

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There are a few cocktails that I believe showcase the best features of Barrell Dovetail Bourbon. Here are my top suggestions:

1. Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors from the Indiana whiskey aged in French oak, Dunn cabernet, and black strap molasses casks.
2. Manhattan: The red wine and French oak influence from the unique tasting makes it a great choice in a classic Manhattan.
3. Whiskey Sour: The Barrell Dovetail Bourbon’s sweet and fruity characteristics match well with the tartness of lemon juice in this cocktail.

Food Pairings

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To truly appreciate Barrell Dovetail Bourbon, I recommend pairing it with complementing dishes. Here are my top food pairing suggestions:

• Dark chocolate: The combination of dark chocolate and the bourbon’s rum influence creates a delicious contrast.
• Smoked meats: The smoky flavors from meats like ribs or brisket work well alongside the molasses and clove notes of the bourbon.
• Cheeses: Bold or aged cheeses like blue cheese or Gouda can enhance the bourbon’s fruity notes from the Dunn Vineyards cabernet barrels.

I hope these suggestions inspire you to explore the remarkable flavors and finishes of Barrell Dovetail Bourbon. Whether you enjoy it straight, in a cocktail, or paired with a delicious meal, this bourbon is an exciting and unique tasting experience. Cheers!

Conclusion

One of the highlights for me was its cask strength, which really gives it a powerful and full-bodied flavor profile. The ABV, at around 61.9%, is high but doesn’t overwhelm the overall drinking experience.

As I sipped on the whiskey, I noticed a syrupy texture that coated my palate with a pleasant sensation. This texture played well with the dark fruit flavors, such as plum and black cherry, that came forward in the tasting. I was especially pleased to find that these fruit-forward notes were balanced by the aged, mature character of the whiskey.

The color of Barrell Dovetail is a striking dark gold, which gives it a rich visual appeal. This color comes not only from the aging process but also from the various casks that were used in the production of the whiskey. It’s evident that the creators behind Dovetail took great care in selecting the barrels and incorporating their unique characteristics into the final product.

I would say that it is a quality whiskey that stands out due to its cask strength, high ABV, syrupy texture, dark fruit flavors, and beautiful dark gold color. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this whiskey and would not hesitate to recommend it to others who appreciate a well-crafted and unique spirit.