This special release from Barrell Craft Spirits is a premium version of their standard finished rye Barrell Seagrass. This bottling is 16 year old 100% Candian rye that has been finished in Apricot Brandy Casks, Martinique Rhum barrels, and a blend of Malmsey Maidera barrels that were belnded together. Sporting and age statement and 100% Canadian rye (and a large price) let’s see how this version holds up.
ABV: 65.41%
Nose: Grassy, Orange Peel, Black Tea, Green Apple, Black Pepper, Sea salt
Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Grassy, Orange Peel, Green Apple Sea Salt, Earl Grey, Pine Needles
Finish: Medium length finish, pine needles, Black Pepper, Black Tea, Cardamom
Rating: 7/10
Overall, this is a great whiskey. The grassy notes and spices are nice as is the fruits and the Pineyness that comes in. However, it does not reach the heights of the OG Seagrass. That bottling is fresher, crisp, and a bit more balanced in its presentation. This is a great gift bottle as it is quite good but for me it does not scratch that same itch that I loved with the original seagrass.
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite
10 | Perfect | Perfect