“You at all times gained each time you positioned a wager. You’re nonetheless rattling good, nobody’s gotten to you but.” – Bob Seger
Tright here are some things I can nonetheless depend on on this whiskey world. Whiskey people like to share their whiskey. One in all Malt’s occasional contributors is Ryan, an authorized bourbon steward and fanatic who likes to share his samples with the writers right here at Malt. Ryan and I’ve each bonded over the hits which have come from Barrell and most notably our love of Seagrass, which I reviewed right here.
Right here is one other factor that I’ve come to study: by no means scoff at three whiskeys completed in three casks if it comes from Barrell. From some other model we’d proper to put in writing off such a monstrosity as a mix that wanted to be saved, a ghastly end that wanted to be combined with one thing else. Not so with Barrell.
Right here is how Barrell describes Vantage and the way it’s created:
“Vantage is a mix of straight bourbons completed in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks. The result’s a heat, elegant bourbon that highlights the various dimensions of oak.”
I’ll admit that final yr the Mizunara craze gave me that worry of lacking out. I used to be intrigued by Taconic and Angels Envy who launched Mizunara finishes. Nonetheless, I by no means acquired the prospect to attempt both one. So, right here I used to be introduced with a possibility to get a few of that Mizunara mania in a mix from a bottler I may belief… and at an honest value. Thus, I went on the hunt.
Each Ryan and I had been itching to see who may get their fingers on Vantage first. Ryan gained the duel this time and he shared a pattern with me. I assumed it was solely becoming we should always do a co-review collectively. Really on this expertise we may study that one man’s fruitcake is one other man’s plum… or one thing like that. Onto the evaluate!
Barrell Vantage – Matt’s Assessment
Coloration: Hazel leaves in autumn.
On the nostril: Fruitcake! It’s nonetheless Halloween. I’m completely engrossed in PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) season however that is taking me straight to Christmas. I additionally imply this in probably the most optimistic method attainable. Plum and apricot are caked in one thing right here. Aspect word: I as soon as had fruit cake for the primary time as an grownup in my 20s and it wasn’t terrible. It was truly fairly gratifying, as this nostril is.
Within the mouth: The sweetness is a contact quick. It’s right here the place your barrels actually struggle for consideration. French oak and Mizurana take heart stage. Woodiness abound in a novel method the place it declares itself as wooden… then pauses for a second to resolve what it desires to be. Now, please don’t mistake this as being tannic. It’s a pure wooden sensation. Virtually like a recent cedar toothpick earlier than it provides option to a lightweight cinnamon and nutmeg end. Not fairly gingerbread, however maybe I’m nonetheless caught on that fruitcake nostril. My expertise with French oak in my beloved Makers Mark sequence is that it could possibly have a drying impact and it actually does right here, except that’s the affect of the Mizunara cask as nicely.
Conclusions:
Barrell has change into that gold medal gymnast or determine skater that tells you what they’re about to do of their program and so they not solely accomplish it, however nail it. It’s like taking part in a basketball recreation of H-O-R-S-E with somebody who not solely calls the ridiculous shot; however makes it time and time once more. Mizunara was a sizzling commodity final yr. We noticed a number of distilleries come out with whiskey that was simply devoted to that being the first end. Barrell does issues in another way and for that I applaud them.
My rating began at a 6 and the thriller of which end influenced which word introduced me again sip after sip. Every time I went again attempting to dissect each the flavors and which wooden was chargeable for it. For veteran whiskey drinkers it is going to be a enjoyable “whodunnit” and, for these which are new to recreation, you might be assured you might be ingesting one thing put along with thought and mastery.
Rating: 7/10
Now to Ryan A, who shared his ideas as generously as he shares his samples:
Barrell Vantage – Ryan’s Assessment
Coloration: Copper.
On the nostril: Plum and fig with honey, current a welcoming first dive into this glass. Orange peel and cobbler crust intermingle with a heat toasted oak to offer stability to the fruit parts. Coconut sprinkled with nutmeg come out after additional nosing.
Within the mouth: On the tip of the tongue toasted turbinado sugars and vanilla crème rush to nice me as if I used to be beginning to eat a crème brûlée. The toasted oak presents mid palate and takes cost of flavors in addition to some rye spiciness and cinnamon. The citrus begins end because the toasted oak rides takes this end a protracted option to the purpose line. The viscous mouthfeel on this whiskey assist to cover the 114.44 proof, as this doesn’t drink ethanol ahead.
Rating: 6/10
Conclusions:
It is a strong new launch for the Barrell lineup. I paid $79.99 on the Barrell retail web site when this was first launched, and really feel that my rating displays the worth and high quality that’s current within the glass. With three completely different wooden finishes and the added facet of mixing them to make a cohesive whiskey, this hits an excellent mark for one thing particular in a single’s bar. I really feel that the argument of there being higher whiskey at that value is considerably legitimate, however when talking to a barrel energy, a number of completed product, this feels on course.
I’m more than pleased to workforce up with my man Matt on this joint tasting. I hope that it exhibits how in another way folks style bourbons, and the way we are able to have nice discussions about what one another finds. The most effective a part of the fellowship of bourbon is, that there isn’t any proper or incorrect reply on completely different factors of view. I really feel the one option to change into a greater taster generally is being opened to studying what others expertise and apply that to your individual to match.
Thanks once more Matt for the chance and cheers!
Pictures courtesy of Barrell.
