Vanilla custard | Dense seasoned oak | Leather | Caramel

Seasoned oak | Toasted marshmallow | Crème brûlée | Clove | Toffee | Nutmeg | Brown sugar | Leather | Rich intensity | Velvety mouthfeel

Toasted marshmallow | Baking spices | Seasoned oak | Toffee | Brown sugar

Barrell Bourbon 12 Year Finished in French Oak Casks is a limited edition cask strength release composed of bourbons aged 12 to 15 years finished in French oak barrels for 3 to 36 months, depending on the component. The bourbons originate from four different states with mashbills that include corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, however the derived mashbill is not disclosed.

Barrell Craft Spirits has released many finished whiskeys over the years, but this is their first French oak focused release. The company chose a high aged blend of bourbons for the base, and combined with their French oak finishing process the oak really comes through. The overall flavor profile leans more into its savory side, with leather, toffee, clove, and nutmeg complementing the oak base. The bourbon is rich, most notably at the midpoint, and there are ample sweet flavors as well, with vanilla custard and caramel on the nose, crème brûlée, toffee, and brown sugar coming into form on the palate and finish.

This whiskey is softer and more layered than a typical Barrell Bourbon batch. French oak has a tighter grain density than American oak, and is known for its more elegant tannin structure which can result in subtle, complex flavors being introduced to a bourbon. Barrell really nailed it with 12 Year French Oak Cask Finish Bourbon, dialing in the right balance of flavors with a rich, velvety delivery.