Barrell Dovetail (124.7 Proof)

If you like a backstory please check my review on Barrell Batch 30. So this one is going to be short as my reviews go. For one reason it was the last of 4 samples I had at a Barrel tasting event. For two I did not enjoy this one and want to come back after I revisit it another time perhaps. Maybe my opinion will change tasting it without having previous had so many in a short period of time and being distracted by the event being rushed to an end due to a late start and another tasting waiting in the wings! Also the samples were very small! I like to allow my whiskies to sit longer, and to really take my time with them. I did not have that luxury. However ,,,, Appearance: Same as with all Barrel I have tried, leggy, oily and beautiful in glass. Nose: Super sweet, creamy, brown sugar, baking spice. Flavor: Port wine, sweet, tart, tangy, hot, very herbaceous, very strong heat. To me, this one is a miss - at least for now. It was rather bitter in my mouth and if I had not been in public with others I may have made an ACK face. It was off putting mostly due to the expected flavors were in almost extreme opposition to the nose. Shocking to say the least. Clearly the sweet aroma was from the port wine that presented in flavor but there was no heat in the aroma yet it was so present in the mouth! I also was not expecting such herb flavor and while I love herbs so very much this blend of herbs did not sit well on my palette and caused the bitterness I believe. Like I said, I do want to try it again and potentially and hopefully will love it. This is the only Barrell brand I have tried and not truly loved. Ratings have nothing to do with cost - just my impressions.

Another day another Barrell... every time a new Barrell label hits the shelf in my local shop I say I am not going to get sucked in, but who am I kidding? Barrell has become a favorite of mine and I have yet to be disappointed despite the somewhat high standard price point. Nose on this is truly a treat. Some nice base vanilla, but swirls of the rum and port casks create an enticing preface to the dram. First sip is so damn good! This is like drinking Halloween... starts with those little cinnamon red hots, some lovely caramel comes rolling in, followed by some red berry gummies. The pour closes with a soft cinnamon caramel apple sweet burn that slowly fades. There is quite a bit going on here and it is pretty special. This will not be everyone's idea of whiskey perfection, but it comes pretty close for me. This may be the best Barrell I have had so far and that says a lot. Don't let this one sit on the shelf if you see it. You will thank me later.

Nose: Vanilla and cherry swirled together like a halls breezer, rye spice, leather, honey (could be the vanilla sweetness), hazelnut, slight cola to it, maybe some herbal qualities. Smells delicious, but if you're not ready for it, the spice punches your nostrils. Palate: rye spiciness, that vanilla/cherry halls breezer, cinnamon, peanut, sweet, butterscotch, a tad bit of smoke Finish: seems spicier than the proofs, lips are tingly, slight dryness, not much taste, kinda plastic or rubbery, minimal sweetness. Increasing peaty finish the longer you wait between sips. 88/100 - Always on my shelf - For the neck pour. Finish is disappointing, but the nose and palate are fantastic. Would be interested in adding a couple drops of water or putting it on ice to see how it impacts the rye spicyness

Nose: sugar cane, apples, red grapes and light amaretto syrup. Caramel and cinnamon. Taste: figs and almond candy. Light cinnamon and oak. Water opens up heavy fruits such as apple and peaches. Taste turns more oaky and burnt caramel and cinnamon with a hint of grape on the finish. A lot of water is needed to bring out and balance the flavors but it’s worth it when you do.

Nose is sweet with notes or oak. The initial sip is a flavor bomb! It’s a combo of floral, sweet and tannic all at the same time. The mouth feel is less oily and More visceral reminds me more of an Irish whiskey. This is a combo of what would happen if green spot and stagg jr had a baby. A+ experience if you like complexity in you whiskey.

So, wow. I have found my favorite and it comes from Barrell Craft Spirits. Their Dovetail offering is amazing. It starts with a sweet molasses and dark cherry flavor that gives way to a stronger spice and oak char followed up with toasted marshmallow. I am loving the long spicey finish. Outstanding.