Barrell Craft Bourbon Gold Label Toasted Oak Release 2 51.1% ABV

Barrell Craft Spirits Gold Label Bourbon is a blend of straight bourbons aged up to 18 years. Barrels for this release were selected from four different collections: barrels with rich cherry and nutty notes, spicy tropical fruit-forward barrels, barrels with pronounced herbal and dark chocolate notes, and barrels with oak-forward coconut notes. The last group underwent a secondary maturation in toasted virgin American oak casks before being added to this intricate and seductive blend.

Beneath the bright and concentrated esters lies a rich and creamy heart of maple walnut ice cream and a firm oaky backbone.

Appearance: Golden russet.

Nose: Concentrated, bright, and fruity. There are so many distinct flavors packed into this whiskey that they seem to appear and disappear in rounds for as long as you can concentrate. Quickly tangerine, mango, and lime zest unwind followed by pineapple, passionfruit, and toasted coconut flakes. Once the nose adjusts, cream soda, syrup smothered French toast, and Nutella emerge. These are framed by a mineral side, contouring the decadence with clay and gunpowder.

Palate: Focused squarely on a deep, mature woodiness. There’s a surprising restraint shown on the secondary oak usage with gentle and subtle like vanilla and clove. Instead, a more complex flavor emerges, reminding me of old cedar chest, freshly cut pine, and coconut husk. Some spirit character does peek out at the periphery, most noticeably in notes of sweet cherry and tart apple. Moroccan mint tea, mahlab, and harissa lend a welcome complexity.

Finish: The herbal notes arrive first, with a burst of celery, dill, and allspice. The heat fades to reveal lingering creaminess on the palate showcasing notes of nougat, praline, and white chocolate.