Barrell Bourbon Batch 038: A Red, White, and Bold Blend of Modern American Bourbon for This Fourth of July
- Jes Smyth
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 arrives at a fitting moment in American whiskey. As the nation marks its 250th year, Barrell celebrates the occasion by honoring bourbon's legacy and embracing the evolution of American whiskey.
Today's bourbon certainly extends well beyond its point of distillation, with thoughtful blending emerging as a respected and defining expression of American whiskey. Batch 038 captures the spirit of modern bourbon, distilled across four states, masterfully blended by the team at Barrell, and bottled at cask strength
You may be wondering what exactly sets this batch apart from the previous thirty-seven releases. I certainly had the same question but didn't have to look far for the answer. This blend is old, one of the oldest standard Barrell bourbon batches to date, more accurately, and it's all right there on the label. Barrell discloses the age of every component, reflecting a transparency that few blending houses offer. The derived mash bill is also disclosed, giving enthusiasts more insight into the blend than is typical for sourced bourbon.
Barrell's cask strength bourbon batches were once released quarterly, but in recent years the series has transitioned to an annual release schedule. As a result, Batch 038 serves less as another installment and more as an annual showcase of what Barrell believes its flagship bourbon should represent.
Before diving into the glass, I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Barrell for providing a review sample of Batch 038. The bottle was sent with no expectations or editorial input, and, as always, the thoughts that follow are entirely my own. With that said, let's pour a dram and see what this year's flagship release has to offer.
Company on Label: Barrell Craft Spirits
Whiskey Type: A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys
Mash Bill Percentages: 79% corn, 17% rye, 4% malted barley
Proof: 116.96° (58.48%)
Age: 8 years (8-15 year blend)
MSRP: $89.99
Further Identification: A blend of Kentucky (12 years), Tennessee (12 & 15 years), Indiana (9 & 10 years), and Maryland (8 years) bourbons
Nose: Whoa, okay, this is rich and dark. A quality I attribute to well-aged oak immediately wafts into my nostrils, lifting my eyebrows in curious appreciation. Thick molasses and supple leather take the lead, with roasted cinnamon, sweet black tea, and hints of old books. Deeper inhales produce sweeter dessert tones, sticky caramel buns, melted vanilla ice cream, and diner coffee. Swirling the liquid in my glass transports me to my childhood kitchen where a pitcher of water waits for a packet of powdered fruit punch to be poured in. There’s also a lovely, soft caramel chew that comes out. Digging my nose deep into the glass doesn’t yield much beyond proof, which is to be expected of cask-strength whiskey. Following several sips, the nose has settled into a soft array of milk chocolate-covered raisins, waffle crumbs, and a mini mason jar of boozy red fruit jam. The empty glass smells of rain-soaked corn fields.
Palate: My first sip is a power punch of proof and oak, not necessarily off-putting, but certainly a reminder that this is cask-strength whiskey. A second sip has my tongue appreciating the soft and juicy texture of this whiskey, alongside a medley of cinnamon, black pepper, ripe plums, and plump purple raisins. Additional sips layer in supporting flavors that are quite lovely. I’m finding pineapple juice, orange Fanta, Granny Smith apples, and freshly baked corn bread with a side of cinnamon butter. After about five minutes of palate rest, the return sip mirrors what I found on the nose: molasses, milk chocolate, vanilla whipped cream, and brewed coffee. I’ve found that with older whiskeys, time in the glass only amplifies the complexity of the aromas and flavors. This is definitely the case with this blend. My final sip is probably the best yet, silky and well-balanced, with well-integrated cinnamon spice and just the right amount of candied fruit.
TL;DR: Among the oldest and most impressive Barrell batch core releases to date
Rating: 4/5
These batch releases have consistently highlighted well-balanced blending techniques—each part of the blend is distinct and works together to create something cohesive and enjoyable. Barrell really upped their game when they upped the age statement on this release. Depending on your palate and appreciation for the oak-forward character of well-aged whiskey, your experience may vary. Give this dram the time it deserves, and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful evolution in the glass with every sip.
