92 The Whisky Advocate

Sweet, with subtle, crisp, nutty oak, then comes fudge, ripe banana, and peach. The overall effect is like eating vanilla ice cream with toffee fudge and hazelnut sprinkles. The structure is thick and physical, the palate sweet and quite fat, with light hints of raspberry, fruit salad. A jag of acidity freshens the delivery on the finish. With water there’s more toffee, and it becomes slightly more yielding, with less oak. For me the gold standard of grain.

98 International Wine & Spirit Competition - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Beautifully appealing on the nose as toffee apples, cinnamon, chocolate and nuts shine. Enjoyably integrated on the palate as notes of cereal, vanilla, tea and golden syrup interlace with fresh menthol on a journey towards a bold, lingering finish.

90-95 Wine Enthusiast

Smells of sweet corn, buttered popcorn and pistachio nuts in the early stages; later whiffs pick up well-endowed scents of sauteed butter, oaky vanilla, beeswax and linseed oil. Palate entry is full-bodied, sweet and honeyed; at midpalate the taste profile turns drier, more intensely grainy-mashy and breakfast cereal-like. Finishes with notes of nougat, almonds, candy bar, and oak. Best Buy.

98 International Wine & Spirit Competition - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Bonfire scented ice cream, juicy peach, pastry and honey-laced white chocolate. Sublime smoky finish. Superbly made whisky with subtle flavour and power.

91 The Whisky Advocate

This release from Barrell’s annual series rings in the new year with flash and panache. The nose is resplendent with lemon candies, spiced apple cider, baking brioche, and tropical fruit punch. The palate is spicier, with cinnamon and cloves, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and candied ginger. Overall, this whiskey is bright and its aromas and flavors are loud and clear. The finish has good length and is gentle for the proof, with cherry, chocolate, and cinnamon fading slowly.

3+ The Whiskey Wash

Appearance: This liquid is a clear, pale gold with fine particulates. Nose: Cereal sweetness wafts up from the glass, taking shape as white flowers, overripe pear, and straw. The inner coil of a cinnamon roll comes through. Book glue lingers in the background. Palate: The attack is simple-syrup sweet, stretching to a mid-palate of, well, malt: toast with a few spots of burn. This whiskey is uncomplicated and clean, finishing with ripe peach. Summary Final thoughts: I'm not really sure how this bottle ended up in front of me, but it's OK that that it is. The whiskey is decent. Given the variation in American single malt, I'll take it. Secrets and all.