Barrell Bourbon 037 Review: Crushable Cask Strength Blends

Established in 2013 as the original independent blender of cask-strength whiskey, Barrell Craft Spirits has released Batch 037, featuring some of the oldest stock seen in these annual releases to date. This is a core release in their batch bourbon lineup.

Barrell Bourbon batches are the hallmark of our dedication to crafting innovatine, high-quality bourbons. Each batch is a unique expression of the art of blending, showcasing a diverse range of ages and styles. The flavor profile evolves with each release, and every batch is ensured to be distinctive and memorable.

Blending sourced barrels may seem like a shortcut in the work that actual distillation truly requires. I say that's like comparing apples to oranges. Categorically, they are the same, but when you peel away the outer layers, they are distinctly different and worthy of equal appreciation. In my opinion, blending is just as crucial as distilling, and Barrell has been at the forefront of innovation, as well as consistency, since its inception. Crushable is the word I often hear when someone describes a Barrell release, which is quite a compliment at cask strength.

In light of recent rumors about the future of Barrell, following changes and restructuring within the company, I was thrilled to receive an email from Barrell's representatives asking if I'd like to try Batch 037. Barrell has always impressed me with their blending artistry, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to continue tasting and reviewing their releases. So, let's get to it, shall we?

---

Company on Label: Barrell Craft Spirits

Whiskey Type: A Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys

Mash Bill Percentages: A derived mash bill of 78% corn, 18% rye and 4% malted barley based on the blending proportions

Proof: 111.38°

Age: 8 years (a blend of 8-15 year bourbon)

MSRP: $84.99

Further Identification: Batch 037 is blended from whiskey distilled in IN, KY & TN; the blend composition is made up of 8, 11 & 12 year Indiana bourbon, 13, 14 & 15 Tennessee bourbon, and 10 year Kentucky bourbon

---

Nose: Upon first raising the glass to my nose, I notice a distinct softness, like steam rising off a summer-warmed pavement following a late afternoon rain. Delicate and absolutely fruit-forward, more like powdered fruit, reminiscent of dip stick candy packets, and leaning into the fruit punch characteristic, with a slightly engineered aroma. Ground cinnamon laces throughout as well as an earthy note, like creek water and silky mud squishing between my toes. Swirling the liquid inside my glass releases the scraped inside of a vanilla bean, cream cheese frosting melting on top of slightly undercooked cinnamon buns, and acidic fruit, now like a Granny Smith apple with really tough skin on the outside. The balance here is quite lovely; I don't feel disjointed in my experience, which is a good sign of a good blend. The only drawback is the absence of the traditional components of older whiskey, which is disappointing thus far, considering the age statements on the label. Perhaps a sip will reveal more of its age. Returning to the nose after exploring the palate for a moment, I find a unique note of vanilla yogurt and lime zest. Ah, okay, now there's a bit more age coming through: burnt caramel and newspaper ink. As I get closer to the bottom of my glass, I do notice more of the proof wafting up and tickling my nose hairs. Additional aromas come on through, a diner packet of black pepper and a pocket-warmed roll of sweet tarts. This is truly the definition of approachable, as is evident by my empty glass, which smells of honey rolls, milk chocolate, and chalky fruit punch.

Palate: Silky and sweet, fruit leads the way, strawberries mixed with tangerines and chunks of apple, sprinkled with a generous amount of table sugar, like Grandma forgot fruit already has a ton of sugar in it naturally. So, it's sweet. Mid-palate, I find cinnamon sticks, tart apple slices, and sour cream. Warmth hugs my chest after a swallow, which is a welcome surprise as the heat on the palate was very well balanced. The linger is moderate and has me clicking my tongue, a subtle sign that some drying may be taking place. After a few more sips, I find myself mentally applauding the blending techniques Barrell continues to showcase. This is yet another example of a crushable whiskey. Nearing the end of my tasting, the stacking of spice, pepper, and ginger begins to take over as the finish continues to close the circle on flavors with the dominant sweet fruits. My final taste is a tingly treat of spice and sweet.

TL;DR: a welcoming and well-blended dram that gently urges you to sit back and relax

---

Rating: 3.5/5

Good enough. There's something to enjoy here.

For anyone who enjoys relaxing out on the porch, worries managed, moment dialed in, as a warm summer breeze dances across exposed arms and legs, this bottle is for you. The fruit-forward notes and soft mouthfeel have easily made this pour beyond crushable. The flavor profile does favor the oldest blending components here, so if Tennessee whiskey is not your thing, you may find this will not please your palate. Overall, however, this release is another excellent example of blended mastery.

---

WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH

With what started as a genuine curiosity for the “water of life,” fiction writer and published author Jes Smyth has nurtured her enthusiasm for whiskey ever since. From learning the vast history of whiskey making to celebrating the passion of the industry, she tastes each sip with intention and purpose while expressing the intricacies of whiskey in a relatable and heartfelt way. She is thrilled to be a contributing writer for AmongstTheWhiskey.com and hopes her words will resonate with those ready to explore the beautiful world of whiskey.

---