Get it while you can.
The prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020 has tapped an unlikely winner in its “Best Bourbon” and “Best Small Batch Bourbon” categories—a unique three-part blend of bourbons distilled and aged in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 seized the crown at the annual spirits show despite the fact that many bourbon experts often turn their noses up at blended whiskeys. This isn’t the first major award snapped up by Barrell Bourbon Batch 021, either—it previously won Whiskey Advocate’s Editor’s Choice Winter 2019 award and nabbed an impressive 94 rating from the esteemed spirits publication, which earthily describes the bourbon below:
Sweet and toasty aromas, like a coconut macaroon, are balanced with bright green apple in this showstopper of a bourbon. Secondary notes include alluring five-spice, cigar box, and dark cherry fruit. The flavors really fulfill expectations, as toasty notes of brown butter meet delicate spice, candied peanuts, and grilled peaches.
But wait for the finish! A cascade of gingery and peppery spices, grilled peaches, and pecan descend in perfect harmony. A multifaceted bourbon that is as intriguing as it is delicious
The 106-proof Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 is available for $80 here while supplies last.
AWARDS
San Francisco World Spirits Competition – 2020
BEST BOURBON
BEST SMALL BATCH BOURBON
BEST SMALL BATCH BOURBON 6-10 YEARS
DOUBLE GOLD
Whisky Advocate rating of 94
Whisky Advocate Editor’s Choice Winter 2019
FLAVOR NOTES
Tangy berries in a dry, oaky nose lead to a rich and nutty palate that showcases exotic notes of sumac and rose. The berries return in a long, spicy finish.
Neat
Appearance: Oiled Leather.
Nose: Opens with a tangy blackberry note supported by a dry oaky character. Blonde tobacco, sunflower seeds, iced tea, and cardamom are gradually joined by a growing peppermint note. Sweeter pastry notes such as cider donut, apricot danish and Turkish delights can be found. While not as floral as some batches, the nose is lifted by Creme Yvette, milkweed, pollen and peach skin. Slate and ginger ale offer a refreshing counterbalance.
Palate: Rich and nutty, cocoa butter supports ample macadamia nut, nougat, and tonka bean. Orange blossom honey and apricot are joined by more exotic notes of rose, loganberry and sumac.
Finish: The blackberry note from the nose returns alongside elderberry, and quince paste that evolve into lingering spicy notes of cocoa nib, aniseed and raspberry leaf.
Source: Maxim & barrellbourbon.com
