Barrell Bourbon / Batch 037
The Stats
- Distillery: Barrell Craft Spirits
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Type: Blended Bourbon
- Age: 8-15 Years
- Components: IN: 8, 11, & 12 years old / KY: 10 years old / TN: 13, 14, & 15 years old
- Proof: 111.38 (55.69% ALC/VOL)
- Derived Mash Bill: Corn: 78% Rye: 18% Malted Barley: 4%
- Release: 2025
- Price: $85
Barrell Bourbon has earned a reputation for excelling in one key area: blending whiskeys from various locations and ages to create a spirit that is greater than the sum of its parts. This process of blending is truly an art form, requiring a keen understanding of flavors and nuances to craft a harmonious final product. Batch 037* is a perfect illustration of this philosophy in action, showcasing the skill and creativity involved in the blending process.
Released in 2025, Batch 037 features bourbons sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, all of which are aged between 8 and 15 years. If you're already a fan of Barrell, this might sound familiar, but trust us, this batch really takes it up a notch. The flavors in Batch 037 are impressively balanced, delivering boldness while inviting you to savor the subtleties with every sip.
A Symphony of Flavor
Batch 037 stands out from other Barrell releases due to its approachable nature, despite its complexity. While Barrell typically emphasizes high proof and intensity, this batch strikes a balance between refinement and strength.
We noticed the signature Barrell notes of dark fruit, rich caramel, and well-integrated oak, but this expression also brings a refreshing element. Hints of orange peel, leather, toffee, and a touch of herbal spice add vibrancy. In our tastings, Batch 037 consistently stood out, providing a sipping experience that lingered in our conversations long after the glasses were empty.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Sweet warm caramel and sour apple start things off. It’s followed by dark cherries, toasted barrel char, salted nuts, and baking spices, with additional notes of peach and orchard fruit. Finally, subtle hints of leather and dried orange peel sneak in.
Taste:
An inviting burst of flavor. Cinnamon, caramelized sugar, and salted toffee, with a layer of toasted oak. Followed by gentle notes of citrus fruit, herbal notes, and sweet honey. Leather and gentle rye spice add complexity and depth.
Finish:
Smooth, satisfying, and enduring. The complexity continues with a warm medium to long finish. Almonds, honey, vanilla bean, smoked oak, and a hint of dark chocolate linger gently, inviting another pour.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
8.5 / 10 - VERY GOOD
Batch 037 proves that when blending is done right, the result can transcend individual components to create something truly special. It's a complex bourbon that deserves a spot in your rotation—versatile enough for seasoned connoisseurs and approachable for newcomers eager to discover a perfectly balanced blended whiskey.
Keep an eye out for this one—Batch 037 is a sleeper candidate for 2025 whiskey of the year.
Blending is indeed art, and Batch 037 is masterful.
*Bottle supplied by Barrell Craft Spirits
