Review by: Raygun

Barrell of course is known for blending and often finishing sourced whiskey. Nothing wrong with that; I’ve enjoyed most of their products and they’ve carved a pretty good nitch for themselves. In this case, we have Canadian and American (from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee) rye finished in Martinique rum, Madeira, and apricot brandy casks. On paper, might be a bit of a mess. Rested about 10 minutes.

---

Distillery: At least four. One is MGP for sure. Probably Dickel. 

Brand: Barrell   

Region/style: Rye from Canada, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee

ABV: 59.65%. Cask strength. 

Age: NAS 

Cask type: New oak initially, then finished in Martinique rum, Madeira, and apricot brandy casks. 

Color: 1.2 chestnut. Natural color.

Price: Around $70

---

Nose: Fruity, to no surprise, but the spicy rye character is still apparent. Peaches, apricots, lime curd, and mint. Something like sherbet. Very summery.     

Palate: Yum. It’s definitely a rye, but the finishing adds so much. Mint, eucalyptus, and dill. Followed by papaya, peach, apricot, lime, and brown sugar. It’s a sweet one, but also spicy. Coriander in particular, and white pepper. Goes down very easily. 

Finish: Virtually no heat. The fruit lingers, especially the papaya and apricot, with more spice. Get a little cinnamon and cardamom joining in. Minty, but less herbal overall. Has some of the sherbet creaminess. The oak is there, but not dominating.  

---

Conclusion: A peculiar combination on paper, but it works. You can’t miss the rye foundation, then the fruit aspects add another dimension. I’m especially a fan of the mint and eucalyptus flavors, which play off the fruit very well. Not too sweet either. Very friendly. If I can’t decide what I feel like pouring, this always makes a good go-to. 

Buy again? Considering the Grey Label for a future purchase.. 

Score: 86

---

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Stagg Jr batch 12)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (new))
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Pikesville Rye)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Wild Turkey 101)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Maker’s Mark)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Grandad 114)
• 0-49: Blech. (High West Yippee-ki-yay)