About the product
Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series showcases innovative finishing techniques that elevate classic bourbon. This PX Sherry expression takes a carefully selected bourbon and finishes it in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, imparting rich, complex layers of dried fruit, caramel, and subtle oak spice.
The result is a sophisticated bourbon that bridges traditional American whiskey craftsmanship with Spanish sherry influence. Each sip reveals the interplay between bourbon's vanilla and oak notes and the sherry cask's deep, sweet character. Perfect for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something beyond the standard expression.
Barrell's commitment to experimentation and quality makes this a standout addition to any collection.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
- Nose: Decadent and sweet. Opens with honey and cherry jam, followed by deeper notes of toasted coffee, golden raisins, and snickerdoodle cookies.
- Palate: Rich and full-bodied. The initial burst of caramel and chocolate torte is balanced by the PX influence of stewed plums and figs. Mid-palate spices include cinnamon, Saigon pepper, and cardamom.
- Finish: Long and opulent. Lingering notes of dark chocolate, walnut, and orange zest, with a gentle drying oak tannin from the older whiskeys in the blend.
Food Pairings
- Savory: Seared Foie Gras or Blue Cheese-Crusted Filet Mignon. The intense sweetness of the PX sherry finish provides a classic "gastrique" effect that cuts through rich, savory fats.
- Cheese: Aged Stilton or Roquefort. The saltiness and funk of blue cheeses are the traditional partners for PX sherry, and they work just as well when that sherry is infused into a high-proof bourbon.
- Sweet: Sticky Toffee Pudding or Dark Chocolate Ganache. The bourbon’s notes of dates, molasses, and cocoa naturally extend the flavors of dense, dark desserts.
- Pro Tip: Add a few drops of water to "bloom" the glass; this lowers the heat of the 115 proof and brings forward the lighter apricot and floral notes.
About the brand
Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) is an independent blender and bottler based in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded by Joe Beatrice in 2013, the brand is a pioneer in the "cask strength" movement, famously refusing to chill-filter or dilute their whiskeys. Unlike traditional distilleries, Barrell sources aged barrels from across the country (KY, IN, TN, and beyond) and uses world-class blending expertise to create unique "batches" and "finishes" that are greater than the sum of their parts.
