Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Overall Score: 6.25/10
Overall Value: 3/5
Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, and Kentucky
Classification: Blend of Straight Bourbons
Company: Barrell Craft Spirits
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 100
Age: 5 Years
Mashbill: 73% Corn, 23% Rye, and 4% Malted Barley
Color: Dark Caramel
MSRP: $50
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The Barrell Bourbon Foundation 5-year presents a conundrum for the bourbon enthusiast seeking a deeply engaging whiskey experience. This review touches on the key elements of nose, taste, finish, and overall conclusions while keeping an eye on the MSRP to ensure value for price.
The nose begins with a contrast between the pleasant nuttiness and sweet caramel reminiscent of peanut brittle, enriched by undertones of pine, and the generalized sweetness, light oak, and vanilla whispers followed by butterscotch. This combination suggests a complexity that is both inviting and slightly elusive, setting an interesting stage for the palate.
At the first taste, the experience diverges. An initial soap-like note may unsettle some, though it evolves into a more palatable sweet oak and nutty profile, with a surprisingly smooth and robust mouthfeel. More sips deliver a straightforward journey with black licorice, oak, and a hint of youthiness (but hey, it’s only 5 years old).
The finish offers a long, oak-dominated experience, which may appeal to oak lovers, while it also provides a warm embrace that transitions into a less favored leathery note. The finishes underscore the bourbons' distinct paths, from a singular oak note to a complex, evolving warmth that might not suit all tastes.
For sale in a market crowded with options, this bourbon finds itself in a peculiar place. Its MSRP of $50 is great in the landscape of bourbon, and the promise of a gentle, not harsh experience might still secure it a spot on some shelves, particularly among those seeking a milder bourbon experience.
In sum, the price point will be a deciding factor for many, weighing the promise of what might have been against the reality of the experience. If you’re looking for specific notes from our Bourbon Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
There is a very pleasant nuttiness here that moves to a sweet caramel.
It reminds me of peanut brittle and carries that same richness too. I also get undertones of pine.
THE TASTE:
Unfortunately, the first note I got on the palate tastes like soap.
It did progress to a sweet oak that finishes with some nuttiness. It can be cliche to say a whiskey is smooth, but I did find that to be the case with this pour.
It also has a more robust mouthfeel than I anticipated.
THE FINISH:
This whiskey does have a long finish, which can be difficult to find.
However, I only get one note here and it’s oak. If that’s what you’re looking for then it would probably be enjoyable, but I tend to like oak being a secondary flavor.
BUY OR PASS?
We did the review of this bottle when it was a little under half-way gone. Both “The Hunter” and I agreed we had more enjoyable pours from this bourbon during the first half than we did when sipping it for the review.
So unfortunately, I think our reviews are going to be a bit harsher than what it really deserves. There are things I enjoyed about each aspect of this bourbon, but the lows outweighed the highs. The brief notes of soap on the palate really threw me on this pour.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
At first whiff, this bourbon greets you with a general sweetness, an elusive greeting that doesn't quite commit to any one characteristic.
The light oak and a whisper of vanilla wafer present themselves shyly, only to be followed by a timid emergence of butterscotch as the bourbon breathes. The introduction is polite, if not a bit reserved, setting the stage for further exploration.
THE TASTE:
The initial sip delivers a satisfying mouthfeel, with the presence of black licorice and oak making a more assertive statement.
Here, the bourbon's relatively youthful age of 5 years makes a fleeting appearance, hinting at its greenness without overtaking the experience.
THE FINISH:
The finish is where the bourbon aims to leave its mark, offering a warm embrace that gradually shifts into a leathery flavor.
Unfortunately, this latter note may not sit well with all, adding a layer of complexity that might not be universally enjoyed.
BUY OR PASS?
In the grand scheme of bourbon, the Barrell Bourbon Foundation 5-year finds itself in a peculiar position. Its subtle flavors and restrained character render it akin to the Lacroix of bourbons—just having wispers of some potentially great flavors.
The essence of what might have been lies as if its 5 years never quite absorbed their full character. In sum, while good, it falls short of transcending to many other bottles at it’s $50 MSRP price point. Its flavors, though present, feel minimal, leaving one longing for a more pronounced statement.
For those seeking a gentle nudge rather than a bold declaration from their bourbon, this offering may yet find a place on the shelf. However, those in pursuit of a more memorable tasting experience may find this bourbon falling far short.
