Barrell Bourbon Batch 029 is bottled at cask strength and features a blend of MGP bourbon, 6- and 7-year-old Kentucky ryed bourbon; 9- and 10-year-old wheated bourbon from an undisclosed Kentucky distillery; and Dickel stocks aged up to 16 years. Initially labeled with a 9-year age statement, the final release displays a 6-year statement and rests at 57.94% ABV.
Baking spice and more pie notes emerge, along with toasted walnuts, bitter coffee, chocolate, and a finish of cinnamon-sprinkled vanilla custard and baking spice. A hot one, even with water, but loaded with well-integrated flavors.
Perhaps a touch too warm at this proof, and while it packs plenty of flavor, there’s a little less complexity than I’ve come to expect from these releases.
A large rock would likely quiet that tartness and bring out more of the sweetness and spice. Often the word "interesting" as a negative connotation when it comes to spirits tasting, but here it should be taken in its literal meaning: this whiskey is interesting! In a good way!
While some of Barrell Craft Spirits’ Bourbon Batch releases lean more heavily into a particular flavor note, Batch 029 offers a range of different flavors that all come together while still maintaining a familiar-enough bourbon-centric base to satisfying results. Barrell Craft Spirits continues their streak of releasing ”worth seeking out” bourbons with Batch 029.
