As a whiskey enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting bottles to add to my collection. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying the Barrell Rye Single Barrel and was blown away by its complexity and depth of flavor. This particular bottle was aged for 13 years and bottled at cask strength, resulting in a high ABV that packs a punch.
Despite its high alcohol content, the Barrell Rye Single Barrel was surprisingly smooth and easy to drink, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Table of Contents
Barrell Rye Single Barrel Overview
Product History
Barrell Craft Spirits has been making waves in the whiskey world with their unique blends and single barrels, and this rye is no exception. The company sources its whiskey from various distilleries across the United States and then blends and ages it to create a unique flavor profile.
Barrell Rye Single Barrel is a 100% rye whiskey aged for 13 years in oak barrels. The whiskey has a deep gold color and is bottled at a high proof of 69.2%. The nose is extremely herbal and floral, with notes of lilacs, fresh-cut grass, sweet hay, cherry tree blossoms, and spearmint. On the palate, there are flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and baking spices, with a long, smooth finish.
Price Range
Barrell Rye Single Barrel is priced at $90-100, which is a bit on the higher end for a single barrel whiskey. However, the quality of the whiskey and the unique flavor profile make it worth the price. If you’re a fan of rye whiskey and looking for something a bit different, I highly recommend giving Barrell Rye Single Barrel a try.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
I was immediately struck by the herbal and floral notes on the nose of the Barrell Rye Single Barrel. Scents of lilacs, fresh-cut grass, sweet hay, cherry tree blossoms, and spearmint wafted up from the glass. There were also some light baking scents like cinnamon and light vanilla that added a touch of sweetness to the mix. Overall, the nose was sweet and fresh, with very little ethanol burn.
Flavor
On the palate, the Barrell Rye Single Barrel opened up with a warming rise of baking spice, caramel, and oak. As I sipped, I detected notes of sweet cinnamon buns and a hint of rye spice that lingered on the tongue. There was also a maltiness to it that created a base for the other flavors, rounding everything out. All of these flavors were delivered gently and nicely balanced with one another.
Finish
The finish on the Barrell Rye Single Barrel was long and warming, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of sweet cinnamon and oak on the palate. As the flavors dissipated, I was left with a subtle hint of rye spice that lingered on my tongue.
Rating
Overall, I found the Barrell Rye Single Barrel to be a well-constructed whiskey with a complex flavor profile that was both sweet and savory. While it may not be for everyone, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and flavorful rye whiskey. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Barrell Rye Single Barrel, I prefer to keep it simple. This whiskey has a complex flavor profile that can easily be overpowered by too many mixers. However, a few simple ingredients can enhance its flavor. I recommend using high-quality tonic water or ginger beer to create a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.
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Cocktail Suggestions
One of my favorite cocktails to make with Barrell Rye Single Barrel is a classic Old Fashioned. The whiskey’s spicy notes and caramel sweetness pair perfectly with the bitters and sugar in this timeless cocktail. Another great option is a Manhattan. The rye whiskey’s bold flavor stands up well to the sweet vermouth and bitters in this classic drink.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try a Boulevardier. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Negroni, replacing gin with rye whiskey. The spicy notes of the Barrell Rye Single Barrel complement the sweet and bitter flavors of the Campari and vermouth.
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Food Pairings
Barrell Rye Single Barrel’s bold flavor profile makes it a great pairing for hearty, flavorful dishes. I recommend pairing it with grilled steak or roasted lamb. The whiskey’s spicy notes and caramel sweetness complement the rich, savory flavors of these meats.
For a vegetarian option, try pairing Barrell Rye Single Barrel with roasted root vegetables or a hearty mushroom dish. The whiskey’s complex flavors can stand up to the earthy, umami flavors of these dishes.
Conclusion
I was very impressed with the Barrell Rye Single Barrel. Its composition of 100% rye and 13 years of aging in oak barrels resulted in a rich and complex flavor profile that was both enjoyable and elegant.
If you are a fan of rye whiskey and are looking for a high-quality, unique option, I would highly recommend giving Barrell Rye Single Barrel a try.
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