Various
Barrell Craft Spirits
50%
5 Years
A blend of 8-year-old Kentucky bourbon; 5-, 6- and 9-year-old Indiana bourbon; 5- and 6-year-old Maryland bourbon; and 8-year-old Tennessee bourbon, Foundation has a final mashbill of 73% corn, 23% rye and 4% malted barley. Most notably, this is the first release from Barrell Craft Spirits bottled below cask strength. With a lower proof and lower age statement than normal, this release also comes with a lower price tag than other BCS products: $55. It's an interesting choice and a sign that Barrell is looking to diversify its target audience a touch and appeal to a larger crowd with a bourbon in the daily drinker category.
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Sweet and creamy on the nose, there’s plenty of oak, toffee, graham cracker, a touch of peanut brittle and a pinch of pepper. There’s more going on compared to most 5-year-old whiskeys, and the nose is a pleasant maze.
Pleasant mouthfeel, moderate viscosity, easy sipping. There’s a prickle of proof but it’s nothing notable and balances nicely with sweet buttercream, toffee and a little bit of peanut brittle.
Long finish that carries nicely and certainly more than expected. It’s sweet and dessert-focused with a hint of tobacco, sweet oak and pepper.
Overall, this is aimed for the well and the mid-shelf, and it does a killer job battling similar bottles. This is rich, complex, perfect for a neat pour or cocktail and has the versatility to crush either. I wasn’t so sure about this release, but… it delivers!
85
