Over the past few years, I have really become impressed with the releases from Barrell Craft Spirits. Although I will be the first to admit that the sheer amount of bottles they release can be overwhelming, that has tempered back a bit, and the quality of quantity has become more of their focus. For many, the price of this bottle might deter you from purchasing it, and honestly, I would not blame you. I, too, have had a lot of struggles purchasing bottles over $60 lately. Nonetheless, I gave this bottle a try, and I am very happy I did so. Today’s review comes from Barrell Craft Spirits and is their new bottle of Barrell Bourbon 12 Year Finished in Toasted American Oak Casks.

Bottle Information

From the Barrell Craft Spirits website: Our blending team crafted this release from a collection of 12 to 15-year-old bourbon barrels, chosen for their exceptional maturity, complexity, and balance. Representing years of careful aging, the deep flavors of oak, spice, and caramelized sweetness of each barrel were then artfully blended to create a bourbon harmonizing their unique characteristics.

The blend was then given a thoughtful finishing period in slow-toasted American oak casks lending a luxurious depth to this mature bourbon, accentuating its natural sweetness and complexity while preserving its refined structure. The result is a bourbon that showcases the blending team’s mastery: a sophisticated expression that captures the elegance of age, the precision of craft, and the influence of carefully selected oak.

• Distiller: Bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 113.4
• Age: 12-15
• Year: 2026
• MSRP: $159
• Official Website

Unfortunately, this is the only bottle we have seen in the NoCo area. Even though this carries an expensive price tag, I might have considered purchasing a backup bottle of this 12-Year-Old. Overall, this Barrell Bourbon 12 Year is a damn fine bourbon with amazing caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak notes throughout. A fabulous starting nose that reminds me of my childhood at my grandmother’s house, with Strawberries and Cream Candies, and a palate of sweet, honeyed dark chocolate, perfectly balanced with baking spices; I am not sure what else I could ask for. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Caramel, Strawberries and Cream Candies, Cherry, Toasted Oak, Baking Spice, and Vanilla
• Palate: Baking Spice, Dark Chocolate, Honey, Dark Cherry, Vanilla, Toasted Oak, and Caramel
• Finish: Long Colorado Winter Hug with Lasting Notes of Dry Toasted Oak, Caramel, and Vanilla
• My Rating: Save It! (This is a damn fine bourbon that might be worth getting a second bottle of!)

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®