Disclosure: This sample was given to me by Barrell Craft Spirits for review.
Barrell Bourbon New Year 2022
Specs
ABV: 57.67%
Age: 5 Years (A blend of 5, 6, 7, 9, & 14 year bourbons)
Recipe: Undisclosed
Distiller: Multiple
Country/Region: USA/(TN, IN, OH, WY, NY, TX)
Price Paid (MSRP): $N/A ($90)
Tasting Notes
Nose: Herbal pine notes with menthol, caramel, orange, mango, cinnamon, Frosted Mini-Wheats.
Palate: Medium mouth feel, vanilla, some heat, black pepper spice, butterscotch, red apple, blackberry, mango, nutmeg, oak.
Finish: Medium length, spice forward with more cinnamon and little nutmeg, drying, ends with a candied fruit sweetness.
Rating: 75/100 – Great | Well above average
Definitely a bottle to open before your New Year’s celebration. I was prepared to write a rather negative review after my initial pour but then somehow this transformed from a hot, cinnamon mess to a much more enjoyable herbal and fruity blend. The final flavor profile is tasty and unique, pulling all sorts of interesting notes from its six states of origin. I still don’t think New Year Bourbon does enough to justify its premium price, but I will admit that there’s a lot to discover and enjoy here. Cheers to 2022!
