Barrell Bourbon Batch 036 Review

Distillery: Distillery undisclosed. Blended and Bottled by Barrel Craft Spirits

Proof: 114.44 (57.22% ABV)

Age: Various—see below

Mashbill: 79% Corn, 16% Rye, 5% Malted Barley

MSRP: $85

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Barrell Bourbon Batch 036 Review: A Single Pour of the Past, Present, and Future

As a blender, Barrell Craft Spirits, was founded on the approach of sourcing exceptional barrels from distilleries across the country and blending them into cask-strength releases. Unlike many brands that focus on consistency in their blends, Barrell embraces variation—each release is a new exploration of flavors, crafted from carefully selected barrels that highlight different mash bills, ages, and aging climates.

Barrell does not distill their own whiskey. Instead, they operate sort of like a treasure hunter by seeking out the best barrels Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, then blending those barrels into an entirely new creation. This method aims to create complex, high-proof bourbons that showcase the art of blending expressions from multiple distilleries rather than from a single distillery.

You may notice Barrell unique spelling with two “L”s. This is symbolic and serves to reinforce their philosophy of taking something familiar and making it unique.  Certainly, Barrell Bourbon has become a favorite among enthusiasts and the many accolades back up their status in the blending category. 

Barrell Batch 036 is no exception to their proven formula. A blend of component bourbons from Indiana (7.5, 8 & 10 years old), Kentucky (9 years old) and Tennessee (8 & 15 years old), it brings together a wide spectrum of flavors. Let’s dive into the glass and see if this expression will deepen the passion of their fans.

Barrell Bourbon Batch 036 Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.5/5

From the moment the bottle opens, rich fruit comes rushing out. Notes of apricots and red ripe cherries along with citrus zest—think ripe tangerine peels. Beneath the fruit-forward character, the all-too-familiar baking spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, emerge. After the whiskey sits in the glass, I get some slight pastry notes.  My advice on the Nose, this is an expression where patience pays off as the Nose gets better by the minute.

Palate – 4.5/5

The first sip delivers a big-time wave of rich caramel.  Just as on the Nose, fruit flavors develop mid-Palate, suggesting apricots and hints of cherry cola—the old cherry cola before it was ruined by the artificial syrup. The sweetness is balanced by a slight spice of nutmeg that adds a bit of warmth. The mouthfeel is particularly unique—dense and rather chewy.

Finish – 4.25/5

Barrell Batch 036 finishes with a spicy kick of white pepper that quickly gives way to brown sugar sweetness and a wonderfully pleasant graham cracker note. A slightly minty tingle sneaks in just as the flavors fade.

Value – 4/5

At $85 MSRP, Batch 036 lands firmly in the premium bourbon category. While that price point will deter casual drinkers, enthusiasts who are familiar with Barrell’s brand will appreciate the value in this unique, well-blended, higher-proof bourbon. Its rich complexity makes for a worthwhile investment for anyone who can appreciate a unique cask-strength expression.

Barrell Bourbon Batch 036 Review: The Verdict

Barrell Bourbon Batch 036 is a standout. It delivers layered flavors, bold proof, and a well-balanced blend. And for those who enjoy the sweeter side of a bourbon expression, the heightened fruit presence makes this bottle a must grab.

For newcomers to Barrell Craft Spirits, this bottle maybe at the upper end of your price comfort level, it is a bottle well worth your money especially if you want a high-quality introduction to the world of great blending.

As a whiskey writer, I’m always excited to discover new brands and expressions to review for our Insider Community. Barrell Craft Spirits is a brand I had heard of but had yet to experience firsthand—until now.

For newcomers to Barrell Craft Spirits, this bottle may be at the upper end of your price comfort level, it is a bottle well worth your money, especially if you want a high-quality introduction to the world of great blending

Verdict – 4.25/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3