Barrell Bourbon has returned to celebrate the new year with its annual release. Featuring a unique blend of bourbons from seven states and bottled at cask strength, this will be the 9th New Year bottling to date. For those mathematically challenged, like myself, the first release was in 2017. Now, if you ask me, these releases might as well be the Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop of blended offerings. It's a relatively well-known release, it's typically a crowd pleaser, and when it comes to blending, Barrell may be at the top of the top in that nuanced process. If you're unfamiliar with Barrell Bourbon, check out the reviews in recent years right here on Amongst The Whiskey . I should also note that, amongst all those reviews, Barrell's New Year releases have yet to appear. Through the generosity of Barrell Bourbon Company, which provided this bottle, and in accordance with the editorial review , I offer my take on this year's New Year's release. Company on Label:  Barrell Craft Spirits Whiskey Type:  A blend of straight bourbon whiskeys Mash Bill Percentages: 70% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, 1% wheat Proof:  110.3 ° Age:  5 years (a blend of 5-16 year bourbon) MSRP: $84.99 Further Identification:  Blended from whiskey distilled in Indiana (5, 6, 8, 11 & 13-year), Kentucky (5, 6 & 10-year), Tennessee (8, 10,& 16-year), Wyoming (9 & 13-year), Maryland (7 & 8-year), New York (5-year), and Ohio (5-year) Nose:  Upon lifting the glass to my nose, I'm greeted with a sweetness that reminds me of the sugary cereals I wasn't allowed to eat as a child, like Fruit Loops mixed with Captain Crunch. Soon after my nostalgia evaporates, I find cinnamon, cream soda, vanilla bean, and a hint of paper. This smells soft, deceptively so, for the proof I know this pour to be. Swirling the liquid releases apple pie filling, a hint of clove, and a question mark in my head. Why is this so darn sweet? Returning to the nose, after a reset, I find a bouquet of fruit, strawberries, apples, and oranges sweetened by vanilla frosting. I'm curious what a sip will do to the aromas, and I find out after a few tastes: everything is sharper, with the proof now shining through. Cherry syrup and vanilla cupcakes overwhelm my left nostril, while the right is zeroed in on the cinnamon spice. I can't help but feel like this could be more, even though the blend has a lot going on already. As I approach the bottom of my glencarin, the alcohol becomes more apparent. The empty glass smells of graham crackers, cocoa powder, and dried flowers. Palate:  The first sip is all heat and tingles, with a flash of vanilla and fruit. The nose misled me into forgetting this is cask strength! A second sip welcomes quite a bit of spice, cinnamon, and ginger, most notably, along with baked apples, vanilla crème, and old-fashioned wafer cookies. The flavors swing between sweet and spice, with quite the Kentucky hug, and a deep, slow-developing warmth in my chest. Additional sips are a layering of fruit, with the sweet tones overtaking now. Somehow, my taste buds have dulled to one note: sweet, a favorable outcome for those who prefer that note, but unfortunately, I find myself, once again, wanting more out of this pour. TL;DR: A sweet forward sip paired best with ease in mind Rating:  3/5 Middle of the road whiskey. An average showing. There are undoubtedly preconceived notions that a New Year release should have all the bells and whistles and sparkly accessories. However, I have spent a number of New Year's Eves snuggled up on my couch with a cat on my lap, a fire in my hearth, and the television tuned to Times Square's countdown. Not every New Year's is meant to be loud and rambunctious. This particular release, for me, offers the space to celebrate in the comfort of whatever you find cozy. WRITTEN BY: JES SMYTH W ith 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.

There isn't really a right way to bridge this gap, but there are perhaps wrong turns that could have completely wrong turn upon first journeying amongst the malts, I can confidently say that I did find my bridge It took some time and convincing, but I found it, and, as such, I'm always on the lookout for easy bridges Then perhaps it's time to cross that bridge. It may not taste like bourbon, but it offers enough familiar territory to make bridging the gap feel

Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend, a pioneering release that bridges Kentucky bourbon

The area contains historical landmarks, such as Kenmore Bridge. Nick's Thoughts Nose:  Raisin and resinous cedar lead the way.

It's light and fun, though I almost get the undertones of some cedar influence, even though I know Strathmill That was a wild ride—the kind of experience I adore in all things whisk(e)y.

nose back into the depths of the glass offers aromas of mossy forest floors, patchouli, camphoraceous cedar

The empty glass smells of spring florals and cedar shakes.

As the liquid level fades, the flavors do not—resinous cedar, fig, and pumpernickel bread meet in bold

Cardamom, allspice and creamy vanilla takes me on a sudden ride. Let's have a sip! Coming back I find funky evergreen sap, cedar, old spice aftershave and a trove of leather clippings.

inhales produce creamy vanilla, biscotti speckled with a touch of white pepper, rose petals, and resinous cedar

In the right nostril: bolder oak with hints of leather and resinous cedar grilling planks.

Oily cedar, fluffy vanilla, and Walkers Nonsuch English creamy toffee candy come zipping into the forefront