Barrell Bourbon 12-Year Bourbon Finished in French Oak Casks

This 12-year-old bourbon spends a second stretch in hand-selected French oak casks, a wood prized by winemakers for the spice it contributes. The result at 108.5 proof (54.25% ABV) is a spirit where nutmeg, allspice, toasted hazelnut, vanilla cream and worn leather sit alongside the mature bourbon underneath rather than covering it up. The dessert character already present in the whiskey picks up cinnamon on the old-fashioned donut note, nutmeg through the custard, and clove and turmeric in the black tea.

Aromas run to pear brandy, pineapple, pizzelle, cinnamon donut and hazelnut praline. The palate leans spicy with allspice, clove, turmeric and peppercorn, threaded with lavender and sandalwood, while the finish moves through coffee cake, blueberries and maraschino cherries into peppery olive oil and graphite. Distillate was sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Wyoming, then blended and bottled in Kentucky. Released in a run of 1,500 bottles, 750 ml.