Cigar box | Tobacco | Bubble gum | Smoke | Toasted marshmallows | Touch of fresh oak | Wafts of burnt caramel

Grain | Vanilla | Aged oak | Peppercorn mix | Leather | Spiced nuts | Toasted brown sugar | Slight youthfulness

Rye spice | Grain | New oak | Mixed nuts | Leather | Dry | Lingering heat

Hidden Barn Series Two Batch #001 is the follow-up to the company’s inaugural release in July 2022. Whereas Series One Batch #001 was comprised of barrels from Neeley Family Distillery, Series Two Batch #001 is made up of 10 barrels that were sourced from M.B. Roland Distillery in Kentucky. Master Blender Jackie Zykan states in the company’s press release that “with Series Two, we opted for a high rye mashbill to showcase the multifaceted contribution this flavorful grain brings to a bourbon recipe.”

Moving away from Neeley Family Distillery to M.B. Roland, provided Hidden Barn with a fresh new flavor profile for their second release. For those familiar with M.B. Roland Bourbon, Series Two presents a nice deviation from their standard flavor profile. While recognizable notes of grain and youthfulness are present, Series Two leans into smokier notes along with a notable nut influence. This will be a polarizing bourbon for many, as those expecting Hidden Barn to resemble anything that Zykan used to produce at Old Forester will be sorely disappointed. However, if you’re looking for a nicely blended bourbon, from a distinctive Kentucky distillery, Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Series Two Batch #001 is worth a try.