Barrell Bourbon / Batch 38
The Stats
- Distillery: Barrell Craft Spirits
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky
- Type: Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
- Components: IN: 9 & 10 year / KY: 12 year / TN: 12 & 15 year / MD: 8 year
- Style: Cask Strength
- Proof: 116.96 Proof
- Age: Blend of 8-15 Year Bourbons
- Mash Bill: Derived Blend 79% Corn / 17% Rye / 4% Malted Barley
- Release: Limited Batch (2026)
- MSRP: $85
CLICK THE VIDEO TO PLAY ↓
Some bourbon distilleries spend years perfecting a single recipe. Barrell takes a different approach.
Rather than making whiskey, Barrell Craft Spirits builds it. Every batch is assembled from carefully selected bourbons of different ages, mash bills, and even different states, creating blends that are designed rather than distilled. Batch 038 continues that tradition, and it might be one of our favorite releases yet.
The Whiskey Behind the Bottle
Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 is a blend of straight bourbons ranging from 8 to 15 years old, sourced from Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Maryland. While each batch follows the same philosophy, no two Barrell releases are exactly alike. Every new batch is blended from a different combination of barrels, giving each release its own personality.
For Batch 038, that personality leans into maturity without becoming overly oak-driven. The higher proof brings plenty of intensity, but it’s the balance between fruit, sweetness, spice, and oak that makes this whiskey stand out.
It’s a reminder that blending isn’t about hiding flaws. At its best, it’s about creating something greater than any single barrel could offer on its own.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The nose opens with bright berry fruit layered over warm baking spices. Dark cherries, apples, cinnamon-raisin bread, and subtle citrus all work together to create an aroma that’s rich without feeling heavy. As the whiskey opens, sweeter notes begin to emerge, giving it the comforting character of fresh-baked pastry rather than dense oak. There’s a lot happening in the glass, and every return reveals another layer.
Taste
The palate delivers on everything the nose promises. Rich cherry, baked apple, caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and dark fruit arrive first, then give way to gentle baking spice and well-developed oak. Despite being nearly 117 proof, the whiskey carries itself with remarkable composure, never letting the alcohol overpower the underlying flavors.
The balance is what impressed us most. Every note feels intentional, with sweetness, fruit, spice, and oak working together rather than competing for attention.
Finish
The finish is long, warming, and beautifully layered. Dark fruit slowly gives way to cinnamon, toasted oak, and lingering sweetness, while the proof provides a comfortable warmth without becoming sharp. Long after the sip is gone, the whiskey continues to evolve, inviting another taste to see what you might discover next.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
8.5 / 10 - Very Good
Batch 038 is another reminder of why Barrell has earned such a loyal following.
This isn’t a whiskey built around a single standout note or an impressive age statement. Instead, it’s a thoughtfully composed blend that rewards patience and attention. Every return to the glass reveals another layer, making it a whiskey that’s just as enjoyable to study as it is to drink.
Buy or Skip
Buy
Batch 038 is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys layered, cask-strength bourbon with plenty to discover over time. It’s approachable enough to enjoy neat despite the proof, while offering enough complexity to keep experienced whiskey drinkers engaged. If you appreciate the art of blending, this bottle showcases exactly why Barrell has become one of the industry’s most respected independent blenders.
Continue Exploring
Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 was one of four special releases we tasted while celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Read our reviews to see how it compares:
Rittenhouse 10-Year 250th Anniversary →
Peg Leg Porker Spirit of America Bottled in Bond →
Evan Williams America 250 Single Barrel →
Or see where every bottle lands on our complete Whiskey Rankings →
Related Reviews We Think You’ll Enjoy
Shop the Artfully Bourbon Mercantile
Bold look. Neat fit.
The Flat Bill Snapback brings a modern edge to classic bourbon style. With its high-profile, structured design and crisp flat bill, this cap is made for those who like their statements unfiltered. Whether you’re repping Artfully Bourbon at a tasting, behind the bar, or just out on the town, this hat delivers a confident, clean finish every time.
Product Features
80% acrylic / 20% wool blend for structure and comfort (white variant: 100% acrylic)
Structured, 6-panel, high-profile design
Flat bill with a classic green undervisor
6 embroidered eyelets for breathability
Adjustable plastic snap closure for a perfect fit
Embroidered for durability and detail
Sourced from: Vietnam or Bangladesh
