
Someway, we missed Barrell’s annual New 12 months launch final yr. Does that imply 2025 didn’t formally occur? If solely we had been so fortunate. However why dwell on all of the batty craziness of the previous after we can rejoice the chances of the long run? As soon as once more, Barrell’s bonkers vacation mix is right here to assist us keep well-lubricated right into a cautiously optimistic new yr.
Because it debuted in 2016, Barrell has relied on a broad formulation for this launch made up of bourbons of various ages (5-16 years on this case) distilled from seemingly each nook of the nation (seven states for 2026). Regardless of the wide-ranging number of the part whiskeys, the derived bourbon mashbill has tended to remain the identical in recent times with the next rye content material of 20+%, a measure of malt (5%), and a sprinkling of wheat (1%). For 2026, not a lot has modified with that recipe aside from some barely older Tennessee bourbon and, most notably, the absence of any whiskey distilled in Texas. Don’t take it personally, Texas.
Queue the annoying kazoo noises. Let’s pop our first bottle of the brand new yr.
Barrell Bourbon New 12 months 2026 Evaluation
Like many whiskeys to roll out of Barrell’s Kentucky-based mixing home, this one will discover loads of followers. Even after the hangovers put on off, and all of us return to wise sipping carefully. As New 12 months releases go, it’s a bit extra barrel-forward on the nostril than previous iterations with high notes of maple syrup, brown butter, and a wholesome dusting of freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon. As issues open, somewhat licorice and bruised mint provide some distinction together with undertones of orange marmalade and cherries jubilee, however the bouquet stays well-spiced and brown sugar candy.
The palate is gentle and effusive whereas additionally wealthy with darkish spices and caramelized sugar. A delicate, cinnamon-infused heat persists throughout the sip, elevating notes of clove syrup, Purple Hots, and freshly baked oatmeal cookies. The midpalate sees somewhat nuttiness, sugared pecans and peanut brittle, earlier than giving solution to apple chips, pear tart, and pink peppercorns on a protracted, silky end.
That makes not less than one good factor to this point in 2026. Right here’s hoping there’s much more to come back!
110.3 proof.
A- / $85 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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