Barrell Bourbon Batch 036

Ayako Hirano — Solid but not my favourite batch

7/10

I've had a handful of Barrell batches and this one's good, not great. Lots of vanilla and cinnamon up front with a dry tannic finish that lingers. The proof is right in my wheelhouse but I found the finish a bit shorter than I expected. Still a nice pour when I want something barrel-proof without breaking the bank.

Olivia Wong — Solid but not my favourite batch

7/10

I've had a handful of Barrell batches and this one's good, not great. Lots of vanilla and cinnamon up front with a dry tannic finish that lingers. The proof is right in my wheelhouse but I found the finish a bit shorter than I expected. Still a nice pour when I want something barrel-proof without breaking the bank.

Tyler Bennet — Solid but not my favourite batch

7/10

I've had a handful of Barrell batches and this one's good, not great. Lots of vanilla and cinnamon up front with a dry tannic finish that lingers. The proof is right in my wheelhouse but I found the finish a bit shorter than I expected. Still a nice pour when I want something barrel-proof without breaking the bank.

Daniel Oyama — One of the better Barrell releases

9/10

This batch absolutely nails it. Rich butterscotch and dried cherry on the nose, and the palate delivers dark honey, leather, and a long spicy finish. At cask strength it opens up beautifully with a splash of water. Bought a backup bottle the same week.

Penelope Hart — One of the better Barrell releases

9/10

This batch absolutely nails it. Rich butterscotch and dried cherry on the nose, and the palate delivers dark honey, leather, and a long spicy finish. At cask strength it opens up beautifully with a splash of water. Bought a backup bottle the same week.

Jason Steel — One of the better Barrell releases

9/10

This batch absolutely nails it. Rich butterscotch and dried cherry on the nose, and the palate delivers dark honey, leather, and a long spicy finish. At cask strength it opens up beautifully with a splash of water. Bought a backup bottle the same week.

Oscar Delgado — Punches well above its price

8/10

At 57.2% this one hits hard but in the best way. Huge caramel and baking spice on the nose, then waves of dark fruit and toasted oak. I paid around £93 which felt steep for a blend, but honestly the complexity here rivals single barrels I've spent more on. Drinks best neat with a few drops of water to open it up.

Felix Moreau — Punches well above its price

8/10

At 57.2% this one hits hard but in the best way. Huge caramel and baking spice on the nose, then waves of dark fruit and toasted oak. I paid around £93 which felt steep for a blend, but honestly the complexity here rivals single barrels I've spent more on. Drinks best neat with a few drops of water to open it up.

Grace Kim — Punches well above its price

8/10

At 57.2% this one hits hard but in the best way. Huge caramel and baking spice on the nose, then waves of dark fruit and toasted oak. I paid around £93 which felt steep for a blend, but honestly the complexity here rivals single barrels I've spent more on. Drinks best neat with a few drops of water to open it up.

Nils Bergman — Good whiskey, hard to justify the price

7/10

Don't get me wrong, Batch 036 is tasty — warm baking spices, some nice dried fruit, solid oak backbone. But at £93 for a sourced blend I keep thinking about what else I could grab at that price point. I enjoy it on the rocks after dinner but probably wouldn't rebuy when there are so many bourbons competing in this range.

Jackson Wu — Good whiskey, hard to justify the price

7/10

Don't get me wrong, Batch 036 is tasty — warm baking spices, some nice dried fruit, solid oak backbone. But at £93 for a sourced blend I keep thinking about what else I could grab at that price point. I enjoy it on the rocks after dinner but probably wouldn't rebuy when there are so many bourbons competing in this range.

Daisy Miller — Good whiskey, hard to justify the price

7/10

Don't get me wrong, Batch 036 is tasty — warm baking spices, some nice dried fruit, solid oak backbone. But at £93 for a sourced blend I keep thinking about what else I could grab at that price point. I enjoy it on the rocks after dinner but probably wouldn't rebuy when there are so many bourbons competing in this range.