On Wednesday, October 9th at 10 a.m. EST, Barrell Craft Spirits will release a rare and highly anticipated offering: the 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon. Only 180 bottles of this exclusive bourbon will be available, making it a limited-edition item that is sure to be coveted by whiskey connoisseurs and collectors alike. The bourbon, which has been expertly matured in a specially toasted barrel, offers a rich history and a unique flavor profile, making it a standout in the world of premium spirits.
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The Backstory Behind the 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel
Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) has a reputation for crafting high-quality, limited-edition bourbons, and this new release is no exception. To understand what makes this 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel so special, it's important to look back at the brand's history and the journey that led to its creation.
In 2018, BCS made waves in the whiskey community when it launched its first Gray Label Bourbon—a 15-year-old bourbon that quickly gained critical acclaim. The Gray Label Bourbon was recognized by renowned whiskey critic Fred Minnick, who named it the "Best American Whiskey of 2018" in Forbes magazine. This was a significant achievement for BCS, solidifying the brand's reputation for excellence and innovation in the world of whiskey.
During the production of the 15-year-old Gray Label Bourbon, a portion of the blend was set aside for a unique aging experiment. BCS transferred part of the blend into nine custom-made American oak barrels that had been toasted to the brand's exact specifications. Toasting is a process that involves heating the inside of a barrel to a precise temperature, allowing the wood to release complex flavors and aromas that can deeply enhance the whiskey. This technique differs from charring, which creates a more aggressive interaction between the spirit and the wood. Toasting, on the other hand, offers a subtler, more nuanced flavor profile.
These nine toasted barrels were then left to age for an additional five years, developing a rich and complex character. Now, after two decades of maturation, the first of these toasted barrels is ready for release, marking the debut of the 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon.
A Highly Limited Release
With only 180 bottles available, this 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the most limited releases in Barrell Craft Spirits’ portfolio. The scarcity of this product adds to its appeal, as collectors and enthusiasts will no doubt be eager to get their hands on a bottle. The bourbon is set to be priced at $199.99, making it a premium item that reflects both its age and the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
The remaining eight toasted barrels from this special batch will be released annually, offering whiskey fans the chance to experience these exceptional bourbons over the coming years. However, each release will likely be just as limited as the first, meaning that those who want to add these bottles to their collection will need to act quickly.
The Importance of Toasting
One of the key factors that sets this bourbon apart is the use of toasted barrels. Toasting barrels is a time-honored tradition in whiskey production, but it's not as common as charring. When a barrel is toasted, the wood is heated at a lower temperature than charring, which allows the wood's natural sugars to caramelize slowly. This process brings out flavors like vanilla, caramel, and a gentle smokiness, which are then imparted into the bourbon as it ages.
Barrell Craft Spirits worked closely with coopers to create barrels that were toasted to their precise specifications, ensuring that the final product would have the desired flavor characteristics. The result is a bourbon that has spent 20 years aging in a carefully crafted environment, allowing it to develop a complexity that few other spirits can match.
What to Expect in the Glass
While specific tasting notes for this 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel have not yet been released, based on the production process and BCS's track record, whiskey enthusiasts can expect a rich and layered flavor profile. The long aging process should also contribute to a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel with a long, satisfying finish.
Given the acclaim that BCS’s previous releases have garnered, it's safe to say that this bourbon will be no exception. The care and attention to detail that went into selecting the barrels, crafting the blend, and aging the whiskey for 20 years are all elements that point toward a truly exceptional bourbon experience.
The Legacy of Barrell Craft Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of whiskey production. By focusing on blending and experimenting with different aging techniques, the brand has created some of the most sought-after bourbons in recent years. The 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon is the latest in a line of innovative releases, but it certainly won’t be the last.
As BCS continues to release the remaining toasted barrels from this special batch in the coming years, fans of the brand can look forward to more exciting and unique offerings. Each release will provide a new opportunity to explore the depth and complexity that can be achieved through careful barrel selection and aging.
The release of Barrell Craft Spirits’ 20-Year Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon is a significant moment for whiskey enthusiasts. With only 180 bottles available and a price tag of $199.99, this limited-edition bourbon is set to become a highly sought-after collector's item. Its rich backstory, which traces back to the acclaimed 15-year-old Gray Label Bourbon, adds to its appeal, as does the expert craftsmanship that went into its creation.
The use of custom-toasted barrels and a 20-year aging process has resulted in a bourbon that promises to deliver a unique and complex drinking experience. As BCS continues to release the remaining barrels from this batch in the years to come, whiskey lovers will have the chance to enjoy more of these exceptional bourbons—if they’re lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle.
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About Barrell Craft Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits is a relatively young and dynamic independent bottler and blender that has gained significant attention in the world of American whiskey. Established in 2013 by Joe Beatrice, Barrell Craft Spirits is known for its commitment to producing unique and high-quality whiskey expressions through meticulous blending and sourcing.
One of the distinguishing features of Barrell Craft Spirits is its dedication to small-batch and limited-edition releases. Rather than having a consistent core range, the brand regularly introduces new and innovative expressions, allowing whiskey enthusiasts to explore a diverse range of flavor profiles. Each release is carefully crafted by selecting and blending barrels from various distilleries and regions, showcasing the art of blending in American whiskey.
Barrell Craft Spirits is transparent about the sourcing of its whiskies, providing detailed information about the age, mash bill, and origin of the barrels used in each release. The brand's philosophy revolves around pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making, experimenting with different aging techniques, and curating exceptional flavor experiences for its consumers.
The brand's commitment to quality has earned it a strong reputation among whiskey connoisseurs, and its releases frequently receive acclaim and awards within the industry.
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