Introduction
Today, we’re joined by our friend Lee Diaz from ReserveBar to dive into Barrell New Year 2025, the latest iteration of Barrell’s annual celebratory bourbon blend. If you’ve followed the podcast for a while, you know that Barrell has long been one of our favorite whiskey blenders, and their New Year releases always showcase their expert blending skills.
This year’s batch clocks in at 112.1 proof and includes a mind-blowing 18 different whiskeys from eight states. The final mash bill lands at 75% corn, 20% rye, 4% malted barley, and 1% wheat, officially making this a four-grain bourbon. With so many components in play, the big question is: did Barrell create something cohesive, or does this one get lost in the blend?
This review is taken from our episode "Everything Everywhere All At Once / Barrell New Year 2025 Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: This has just an incredible nose that leans into classic bourbon territory but throws in some surprises. There’s peanut and a crème brûlée caramel note. I also pick up some cinnamon spice, and the longer I sit with it, the more I get this zesty lime pop that really stands out. It’s an excellent nose. 8/10
Bob: This is surprisingly bright. It has a lot of leather and sawdust, plus some rose and a hint of that dusty cherry you get from wheated bourbons—even though there’s only 1% wheat in this. I also get a touch of melon, almost like an Irish whiskey, which keeps it from being too heavy. It’s an intriguing nose. 8.5/10
Lee: I love how the older whiskeys in this blend contribute to the nose. The 12- and 15-year-old components bring that classic “walk into a rickhouse” oakiness, which lingers nicely. And like Bob said, somehow that tiny bit of wheat makes itself known here. That said, I’m not quite as high on it as you guys—I like where this is going, but it doesn’t blow me away. 7.5/10
Taste
Brad: The palate is complex. I get maraschino cherry, peanut brittle, vanilla bean, and a cinnamon graham cracker note rather than honey. The zestiness from the nose evolves into a key lime pie creaminess. It’s bright, balanced, and really enjoyable. 8.5/10
Bob: This is where I come down a bit. It’s thinner than I expected, almost astringent, and the oak overpowers a lot of the more delicate notes. There’s some nice stone fruit here, but overall, I wanted more viscosity. It’s still a solid pour, just not quite as impressive as I hoped. 7/10
Lee: I actually move up on the palate. This whiskey evolves with every sip—one moment it’s bright and fruity, then it shifts into roasted sugar and candied nuts. There’s a fun toasted quality that makes me want to let it sit and open up. I’m going with an 8.5. 8.5/10
Finish
Brad: The finish takes that lime note and shifts it into a lemon zest. The caramel sticks around, and it moves into a coffee bean territory that I really dig. It’s long, warm, and satisfying. 8/10
Bob: This is where it loses me. The finish is mouthwatering, but mostly in a mineral water kind of way. The oak really takes over, and I don’t get much fruit or sweetness lingering—just a dry, tannic note. Not bad, but not my favorite finish from Barrell. 7/10
Lee: I actually really like what’s happening on the finish. There’s some mint, some oolong tea, and dark chocolate. It makes me want to take another sip just to see what else I can pick up. It’s refined and interesting. 8/10
Balance
Brad: This is a well-balanced and complex whiskey. Every aspect works together to create something unique while still feeling cohesive. It’s bright, deep, and well-executed. 8.5/10
Bob: Even though I wasn’t in love with every category, nothing feels out of place. Barrell’s worst whiskey is still a well-balanced whiskey, and this is no exception. It’s a solid blend that holds up well from start to finish. 7.5/10
Lee: This is where I rate it highest. Given how many whiskeys they’re blending here, the fact that it still feels like a complete, intentional product is impressive. You know what you’re getting with every sip, and that’s a testament to their skill as blenders. 9/10
Value
Bob: MSRP on this bottle is $90, which is right in Barrell’s typical range. Some stores might discount it after the New Year, so if you can find it for $60-$70, it’s a no-brainer. Even at $90, though, the sheer number of whiskeys going into this makes it feel like a fair price. Not my favorite Barrell product, but I wouldn’t call it overpriced. 7.5/10
Brad: Yeah, I’m in the same spot. This is a really good bourbon, and while it might not be my favorite Barrell product, it still feels worth the money—especially as a limited release. 7.5/10
Lee: I agree. If you can get it on sale, jump on it. If you’re into those tannic, oaky, nutty flavors, this will be right up your alley at full price. But for the general drinker, it might not be the first Barrell bottle I’d recommend at $90. 7.5/10
Final Scores
Brad: 40.5/50
Bob: 37.5/50
Lee: 40.5/50
Average Score (Bob & Brad): 39/50
Final Thoughts
Barrell New Year 2025 is another solid entry in Barrell’s lineup, showcasing their ability to blend a massive variety of whiskeys into something cohesive. While it doesn’t quite hit the highs of some of their best releases, it’s still an easy recommendation for those who enjoy complex, well-balanced bourbons.
At a 39/50 average, this lands just below our no-brainer buy threshold but comfortably within recommended territory. If you’re interested in trying it, picking up a pour at a bar is a great way to see if it fits your palate. And if you find it on sale after the New Year, it’s a must-buy.
New Year, new bourbon—same Barrell quality.
