Barrell Foundation was the first Barrell Craft Spirits non-cask strength bourbon.
According to the website, “Barrell Foundation Bourbon is a blend of bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Maryland, all ranging in age from five to nine years. Twenty-three percent rye in the mash bill gives Foundation richness and complexity, while the approachable proof point brings out lush sweetness and dark fruit.”
According to the bottle, “Barrell Craft Spirts blends and bottles leading spirits that elevate barrels of whiskey into something greater than the sum of their parts. Barrell Foundation exhibits all of the richness, complexity and quart that one finds in a Barrel Crafts Spirits bourbon. This is a classic bourbon that can be enjoyed near, over ice or in a cocktail. Blended to never blend in.”
Bourbon Review: Barrell Foundation
ABV: 50 (100 Proof)
Age: At Least 5 Years
Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 23% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Blend Components: Kentucky (8 Years Old), Indiana (5, 6 & 9), Tennessee (8), Maryland (5 & 6)
Distillery: Multiple
Bottled By: Barrel Craft Spirits
Location: Louisville, KY (USA)
The Nose: As we raise our glass to pull in the aromas I told my wife, that’s sweet. Initially notes of vanilla, corn and oak are easily identified. A secondary pull sees caramel, confectioners sugar, blackberries and cantaloupe. It’s a wonderful summer aroma for a seasonable partly cloudy day on my deck in summer.
The Taste: The 23% Rye from the mashbill is front and center but not overpowering. The first sips sees the addition of charred oak, peppercorns and a touch of leather on the finish. The mouthfeel is a bit thin but the taste is balanced and smooth. Secondary sips reveal cantaloup, honeydew melon and a subtle vanilla creme. The finish of the bourbon sees the rye linger with a hint of caraway seeds and fennel.
Conclusion: Barrell Bourbon for me has been known for their portfolio of finished bourbons which is something I stay away from. Their Gold Label scored a 94 while their Tale of Two Islands scored an 89 previous here on The Barrel Burner. Personally, I hope the novelty of finished bourbons goes away but here in New Hampshire I still see a growing presence. I recently went to a liquor store in Massachusetts and the selection of finished bourbons was considerably less so hopefully they are ahead of the curve and not behind it.
Barrel Foundation Bourbon is a smooth and balanced bourbon that hits slightly less than its ABV. It’s enjoyable and something I want to keep on my shelf at my home bar. It’s too enjoyable for me to mix in with a cocktail but I can see where it would compliment an Old Fashioned.
Score: 92
Price: $49.99 (750ml in Massachussets)
