Review: Barrell Bourbon Batch 36

If it seems like it’s been a while since we reviewed a Barrell Bourbon batch release, that’s because it has. Our last look at the line, Batch 35, was over a year ago. Presumably, that means these batches will be annual affairs going forward. But it’s not like Barrell has slowed down in the meantime, releasing a new and much overdue entry-level offering, Foundation, a pair of cask finishes, and another standout New Year release, among others. They even snuck in their fourth rye whiskey batch release. So, yeah. They’ve been busy.

Somewhere during all that and relocating to a new, larger blending and bottling facility near Louisville, they also got around to tweaking the labels on these batch releases which, admittedly, had become a bit stale and didn’t really convey the complexity of the product inside. The batch number is now prominent and the breakdown of each component whiskey, complete with state of origin and age, has been relocated to the front label. On the back label, a new derived mashbill should help whiskey drinkers better understand the style of bourbon they are purchasing.

For this latest release, Barrell is sticking to familiar territory with a blend of bourbons sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee and ranging in age from 7.5 to 15 years old. The derived mashbill from these various whiskeys is 79% corn, 16% rye, and 5% malted barley. Let’s check it out.

The aroma is citrusy but not overly bright with layers of toffee and dark vanilla bean adding plenty of caramelized heft. As it opens, a creaminess takes hold along with cherry candies and gentle baking spice. While Barrell often manages to blend a surprisingly approachable product out of several cask strength whiskeys, this is one of the more easygoing batches in recent memory. Things kicks off with a healthy dash of baking spice that becomes gingery into the midpalate. Notes of birch beer and flamed citrus give way to darker red fruits and milk chocolate before coalescing into a warm, lingering finish of Raisinettes, cocoa powder, and Dr. Pepper. Once again, it’s a high quality bourbon blend, but one batch a year going forward is probably plenty given all the other Barrell offerings out there.

114.44 proof.

A- / $90

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