It has been a while since I have purchased a bottle from this distiller. In fact, it has been over a year since my last review which is kind of disappointing as this distiller has had some very exciting releases over the past few months. Unfortunately, it seems a bit hard to find both new and limited releases from this distiller in my general area, but every once in a while I do come across a bottle or two and love to purchase them. Today’s review comes from Barrell Craft Spirits and is their new release Barrel Bourbon Foundation.

Bottle Information

From the Barrell Craft Spirits website: Barrell Foundation is the first Barrell Craft Spirits non-cask strength bourbon. We applied the same meticulous, scientific approach to blending that we put behind all of our products to this 100-proof release. Our goal was to create a versatile, easy-drinking, full-flavored bourbon perfect for enjoying neat or over ice. It’s also a natural choice for cocktails that benefit from a slightly lower proof.

• Distiller: Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits
• Mash Bill: Corn: 73%, Rye: 23%, and Malted Barley: 4%
• Proof: 100
• Age: Kentucky: 8 years old/Indiana: 5, 6, & 9 years old/Tennessee: 8 years old/Maryland: 5 & 6 years old
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $55
• 2024 National Average: $55
• Official Website

Although this bottle is yet to be prevalent and easy to find around NoCo, it is being advertised as a regular-shelf product. I commend Barrell Craft Spirits for stepping outside their norm again and proofing down one of their products to appeal to more of the masses. Now please do not take the previous comment to be bad, because even I love a nice 100-proof bourbon over ice on a weeknight. Overall, this is a classic bourbon with classic notes yet contains surprises like a strawberry fruit roll-up, honey, and a slight dill. This is an excellent everyday bourbon, at the right price, that I will happily keep on my bar cart moving forward! With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Vanilla, Oak, Brown Sugar, Baking Spice, Strawberry Fruit Roll-up, Honey, and a Slight Dill
• Palate: Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Red Fruit (Strawberry from the Nose?), Rye Spice, and Oak
• Finish: Short to Medium with Notes of Sweet Spice but Dry Oak
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (This is an excellent everyday bourbon, at the right price, that I will happily keep on my bar cart moving forward!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™