Tropical fruit | Apricot | Aged oak | Leather | Barrel char

Bright caramel | Buttercream frosting | Honey | Seasoned oak | Black peppercorn spice | Leather | Savory undertone | Rich flavors

Gingerbread | Toasted oak | Cherry | Dark chocolate | Long

Barrell Craft Spirits has moved their bourbon batches to an annual release cycle with Bourbon Batch 038 being the 2026 offering from the company. Notably, the company has shifted from strictly numbered batches to a wide range of blends and finishes, many of which are incredibly ambitious. Regardless, those who have been following Barrell Craft Spirits since their inception over a decade ago know these batches are at the company’s core, and look forward to each one that’s released.

Batch 038 iterates on Batch 037 by adding age to the Kentucky component, varying the Indiana and Tennessee components, and adding a Maryland component. It also pays homage to the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring a unique red, white, and blue label with stars layered behind the company’s name. True to Barrell Craft Spirits’ propensity to disclose a lot of information about the blend, the ages of each component and the derived mashbill are detailed on the label, which accounts for the various mashbills and their calculated weights within the blend.

Batch 038 manages to deliver familiar Barrell Craft Spirits bourbon flavor notes, iterate on that with new and interesting ones, and also bring loads of spice and waves of sweetness. It’s a flavor bomb through and through. The nose has tropical fruit and apricot, but in contrast showcases leather, aged oak, and barrel char. It’s the palate where this bourbon really comes alive. Bright caramel, a wave of buttercream frosting, and honey are contrasted by seasoned oak, black peppercorn, and leather. It’s a one-two punch with sweet flavors up front and savory flavors next, delivered with a rich intensity. The bourbon finishes with a surprising yet welcome gingerbread note, which is joined by toasted oak, cherry, and dark chocolate.

Barrell Craft Spirits has consistently delivered high-quality batches, but in recent years, none have stacked up to Batch 038. While there is nothing earth-shattering about the batch, the combination of intensity and range of flavor Barrell is able to dial in makes it something truly special.