Highly Acclaimed, Innovative Rye Whiskey from a K&L Fan Favorite – American Whiskey News
A Singular Rye Whiskey from a Superstar Craft Distiller
Barrell Craft Spirits “Seagrass” Martinique Rum, Apricot Brandy & Madeira Finished Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey
(750ml) ($79.99)
Ranked #2 in Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021
The latest entry from our friends at the inimitable Barrell Craft Spirits is the incredible Seagrass, a stupendous rye beauty with an aging regimen that takes a mad kind of genius to pull off. The team at Barrell starts with top-quality American and Canadian rye whiskeys, then subjects them to successive finishing stints in some of the most expressive used barrels you can think of. The result is truly a multi-faceted, singular profile that’s unlike anything else in their portfolio. Each barrel shows its influence in concert with the others, with the spicy character of the rye taking on a kaleidoscope of luxurious tropical brandy notes, high-toned floral rhum agricole features, and a scintillating tinge of brine and nutty oxidative accents from the madeira cask. As if this wasn’t compelling enough, we also have a miniscule allocation of the incredible 16 Year Old Gray Label Seagrass, a highly limited, age-stated rye (this rendition made from 100% Canadian stocks) that underwent the same finishing process as the regular bottling. We never know what Barrell is going to come up with next, but we’re certain that whiskey aficionados who think they’ve seen and tasted it all are in for a real awakening with these two stunners.
K&L Notes: Seagrass is more proof that Barrell’s blending team is at the top of their game. Not only are they able to consistently create exciting new products with a diversity of flavors, but they’re able to imbue their blends with creative energy, all while making sure to keep the most important thing in mind: it must be delicious. This release is the perfect example of that, a product that’s able to transport us to a completely different place in the glass. Using the complex barrel finishes that Barrell has developed and their highest quality rye stocks, they’ve built this incredible expression. The deep tropical notes from the apricot brandy are tempered by a bevy of spicy and herbaceous rye. Soft, subtle grassy notes and pure floral character are added by the rhum cask, along with a top note of earth and salty ocean air from the madeira casks. The bevy of accolades that it’s received in the past year confirm it as easily one of the most exciting and delicious releases available right now.
- 2021 #2 Whiskey of the Year—Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys
- 2021 BEST OF THE BEST—The Robb Report
- DOUBLE GOLD—2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- PLATINUM MEDAL—2021 L.A. Spirits Awards
- GOLD MEDAL—2021 Ascot Awards
- GOLD MEDAL—2021 John Barleycorn Awards
- 92 POINTS—2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge
K&L Notes: The 16 Year Old Gray Label Seagrass takes the original bottling and ramps up the singular character several notches. This highly allocated, extremely limited rendition was composed from 100% Canadian rye stocks and underwent a similar aging process. Two batches of rye were aged separately in the apricot brandy and rhum casks, and a final blend was compiled and aged in Malmsey Madeira casks. Every step of the process was undertaken with painstaking precision and meticulous care, and the result is a stunningly unique whiskey that offers something for every spirits aficionado under the sun. Bottled at full proof of 130.82, it’s a powerhouse of complexity that showcases each of its components with startling clarity and authenticity. This is a not-to-be-missed connoisseur’s gem of the highest order and will be a standout addition unlike any other to any collection of the finest craft spirits.
