Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, has launched the third offering in its Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: Mizunara. The limited-edition Series utilizes the company’s blending and finishing expertise to make bespoke blends of straight bourbon whiskeys with unique finishes. The first two bourbon blends, which launched last Fall, included Amburana and A Tale of Two Islands Rum Finish.
For the newest expression, the BCS blending team created a blend of Indiana (6, 7, and 9-year), Kentucky (8-year) and Tennessee (8 & 14-year) bourbon whiskeys featuring multiple mash bills. The blend was then further matured in Mizunara casks for one and a half years and bottled at cask strength (116.42 proof) in Kentucky with a derived mash bill of corn (76%), rye (20%) and malted barley (4%).
Casks made from rare Mizunara hardwood are a true work of art. The wood is meticulously cut, and the barrels carefully raised due to the wood’s characteristics. Mizunara finishing imparts subtle notes of sandalwood, herbal spice, and coconut to bourbon, and precision is required to craft a harmonious blend.
Tasting Notes:
An Invigorating nose of fresh strawberry and white peach interweaves with sugar cookies and toasted corn. Vibrant notes of lemongrass and peppermint hit the palate first, then transform to a deep sweetness of Medjool dates followed by an enthralling citrus and woodsy earthiness.
Appearance: Amber honey.
Nose: Starts with a burst of strawberry, golden raisin, amontillado sherry, and a touch of sawdust. Then sweeter notes of honey, vanilla, sugar cookie, and white peach appear, followed by cocoa, cherry, oiled leather, toasted corn, and palo santo.
Palate: The palate is viscous with herbaceous notes of lemongrass, star anise, and peppermint striking first. Honey, sweet cornbread, and dates appear followed by galangal and a woodsy note.
Finish: Spearmint, palo santo, lime zest, and ginger.
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes and a liberated approach to blending guides every product release.
The new expression is available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and in select retailers beginning for the suggested retail price of $89.99 per 750ml bottle.
Barrell Craft Spirits
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike. Our cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases have quickly become an influencing force in American whiskey, winning awards from the world’s most prestigious distilled spirits publications and competitions.
The award-winning line of BCS releases are now sold in 49 US states, Australia, Canada, and the UK. For more information visit Barrell Craft Spirits at barrellbourbon.com.
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