Barrell Bourbon 037 is not your average bottle sitting on the shelf waiting to be ignored. It’s part of the Barrell Craft Spirits line known for single batches and small releases. Batch 037 dropped in early 2024 and has grabbed a lot of chatter among bourbon lovers who chase strong yet balanced pours. Let’s break it down and see if this batch lives up to the hype.
What Makes Barrell Bourbon 037 Special?
Barrell doesn’t stick to one distillery. They source barrels from different producers, blend them, and bottle at cask strength. Batch 037 blends bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Age statements range from 5 to 15 years which gives it layers of youth and depth.
It’s bottled at 60.34% ABV so you know upfront it’s no light pour. But the surprise here is how easy it goes down. Many drinkers say Batch 037 is “crushable” which is rare praise for a cask strength bourbon.
First Impressions Matter
When you pour Barrell Bourbon 037 in a glass the color stands out. It’s a deep amber, almost like maple syrup with a reddish hue in the light. On the nose, you get sweet notes first: caramel, brown sugar, and honey. Swirl it once and there’s a pop of baking spice and a hint of dark cherries.
Give it a minute and you’ll pick up toasted oak and a faint smell of fresh leather. It’s not overly complex but it’s warm and welcoming.
The Taste Test
First sip hits sweet with caramel and vanilla upfront. Mid-palate shows cinnamon, nutmeg, and a nutty vibe that feels like roasted pecans. The high proof comes in late, with a warm Kentucky hug that doesn’t knock you out.
What makes Batch 037 shine is balance. Strong bourbons can burn the tongue if they’re not blended well but this one stays smooth. A splash of water opens up more fruit, like dried apricot and a little citrus peel. Some even get dark chocolate on the finish.
Finish That Lingers
The finish is medium-long and clean. It sticks around with oak, warm spice, and a slight sweetness. It’s the type you notice even after your glass is empty. Some drinkers love it neat but a big ice cube doesn’t hurt either. For the high proof, it’s surprisingly sessionable.
How Does It Compare?
Compared to other Barrell batches, 037 leans more classic. Some earlier batches had wild flavor swings with tropical fruits or heavy rye spice. Batch 037 brings it back to old-school bourbon: rich sweetness, balanced spice, nice oak.
If you like Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, you’ll probably appreciate this bottle too. It’s not cheap, though. Retail sits around $90 to $100 but you get what you pay for in cask strength quality.
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re new to cask strength bourbon, this might be a good starter because it’s easy to drink for the proof. Seasoned drinkers won’t be bored either since the blend has enough age and depth to keep you interested. Collectors may want it since Barrell batches don’t stay on shelves long.
Price And Availability
Barrell Bourbon 037 came out in limited supply so grab one if you see it. It usually pops up at specialty liquor shops and bigger online retailers. Prices can jump fast once the batch sells out.
Tips For Best Enjoyment
- Try it neat first, then add a few drops of water to see how it changes.
- Use a Glencairn or tulip glass to catch the full nose.
- Let it sit a bit. Give it air, you’ll get more subtle flavors.
Final Thoughts
Batch 037 proves why Barrell is one of the best at what they do. They blend sourced barrels better than most distilleries do with single-source stock. You get power and finesse in the same glass. Is it worth the money? If you like cask strength pours with a classic profile, yes.
Just don’t expect to keep it long once friends find out you have it. It’s that type of bottle people ask about when they see it on your shelf.
