Broken Barrel Americana, produced by s and whiskey companies to push boundaries and use their imagination at 50% ABV — at $35. 750 ml bottle, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
The color is a light reddish brown that turns golden when held up to the light. Vanilla, apple, caramel, and baking spice make up the bulk of the nose. A light, aromatic grassiness makes itself known as well. Honey sweetness spiced with oak and light rye takes the forefront. Grassy and nutty notes come into play as well. The mouthfeel is silky, yet the drink leaves a suede-like grippiness on the tongue. The alcohol is punchy. The vanilla from the nose finally reveals itself on the palate, which is lingering and warm.
Palate
I love that American whiskeys loose definition allows it to be a playground for distillers and whiskey companies to push boundaries and use their imagination. The cleverly named oak bill creates a new avenue to develop flavor alongside the mash bill. Having said that, this whiskey lacked some of the complexity and smoothness I look for in a sipping whiskey. The flavors were interesting and a little bit different, but did not hook me and reel me in to keep going back. rnrnHowever, I think Broken Barrel Americana would make an excellent cocktail. At only $35 dollars a bottle, it may well be worth your while to pick up a bottle the next time youre craving a whiskey sour.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Broken Barrel Americana is fine — not bad, not great, just fine. At $35. 750 ml bottle, I think there are better options in this range if you are willing to look around.
