WOTD 14: Barterhouse 20 Year Bourbon
So another long gap but for good reasons. I went to Kentucky to do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail plus 2 not on the trail and came back with lots of goodies to try and review. So first review back is Barterhouse Bourbon. To begin, some history of Orphan Barrel and their story behind their unique bourbons.
Orphan Barrel is a series of old and rare limited-edition whiskeys from Diageo's warehouses. Barterhouse Whiskey stocks were discovered in old warehouses at the Stitzel-Weller facility in Louisville, Ky. Orphan Barrel whiskey releases could be from a number of operating distilleries, including Bernheim's current distillery and older, Stitzel-Weller, Four Roses, Dickel, etc. So while bottled at the Dickel distillery, it wasn't made there. The first of 4 (possibly 5) releases is Barterhouse.
Nose: So at 20 years I expected much more oak. Don't get me wrong, its definitely got a strong oaky presence, just not what you would think with being 20 years in the cask. Behind the oak you have sweet scents, caramel, vanilla, orange.
Taste: Sweet, burnt toffee, cinnamon, vanilla and butter
Finish: Dry and long, slight caramel and oak again
So with a price tag normally from $60 - $90 this whiskey's a bit of a gamble. I like it and I think its a unique entry in a collection. Backstory aside, as surely there's more fluff than transparency in it, it's still a good price for a 20 year bourbon and while many would falter at that age, this one still holds it's own. If you're new to drinking whiskey, grab it, it's good and easy on the palate. If you're a seasoned veteran, try it before you buy it.
Rating: 93/100
Cost: $60 - $90 (if you can find it)
