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Barrell Craft Spirits - Private Release AQ05 (S1B52 STICKER)
A blend of 8-14-year-old American whiskeys that are re-casked and finished in a single Armagnac cask, this cask-strength release is an entry in Barrell's Private Release line. It's bottled at cask strength with no coloring or filtering and is a member of one of the U.S.'s most popular single barrel release programs. How does that old whiskey and Armagnac tango? Let's find out.
NOSE: Powerful nose that's expressive and full of life: old tobacco, sweet grapes, honey and apple butter strike immediately, joined by undertones of baking spice, like nutmeg and clove, a pinch of pepper and a dash of candied ginger. The nose is old and fresh at the same time, with old parchment, tobacco and raisin bread mingling really pleasantly — no doubt the DNA of the Armagnac involved.
TASTE: Rich on the palate, packed with maple and brown sugar up front on the tastebuds. Over time, the sweet oak, rich tobacco, a hint of nougat and raisin, currant and blackberry show up to blend nicely. At 65% ABV, you'd never know it by the viscous, pleasantly textured palate that's easy to drink — perhaps a touch too easy.
FINISH: Long finish, leaning strongly into the caramel, honey, brown sugar and rich tobacco vein. This one hangs on for a long, good while with a rich, savory exit.
Tasting Notes