This Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release is a cask-strength blend of straight bourbons finished in casks that previously held Ratafia de Champagne, selected as a Top Shelf private release and bottled at 123.5 proof (61.76% ABV).
Ratafia de Champagne is a rare fortified wine from the Champagne region of France, made from grape must and brandy. Its casks bring a fruity, vinous layer to the bourbon, with notes of grape and pear alongside the oak.
Barrell's Private Release program lets selected buyers create their own blends from Barrell's library of finished whiskeys. Each release is a blend rather than a single barrel, bottled at cask strength in limited quantities, so every pick is unique.
Barrell Craft Spirits, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the most celebrated independent blenders in American whiskey.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Tasting Notes
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Palate: Sweet butter and light oak moving to caramel, cinnamon and a touch of rye spice, with grape notes from the cask.
Specifications
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Blender: Barrell Craft Spirits, Louisville, Kentucky
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Style: Private Release blend of straight bourbons, cask strength
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Finish: Ratafia de Champagne casks
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Selection: Top Shelf private release
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Proof / ABV: 123.5 proof (61.76% ABV)
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Origin: United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
At cask strength, add water a little at a time to open the fruit and caramel. Pair it with a cheese board, fruit tart or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ratafia de Champagne?
A fortified wine from the Champagne region made from grape must and brandy.
Is this a single barrel?
No, Barrell Private Releases are cask-strength blends.
What proof is it?
123.5 proof, 61.76% ABV.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
