Introduction
We’re diving into Barrell Seagrass today, a rye whiskey that has garnered a lot of attention and awards in the whiskey world. If you’re familiar with Barrell Craft Spirits, you know they’re renowned for their blending expertise. Barrell doesn’t distill their own whiskey but instead blends sourced whiskeys into something truly unique.
Seagrass is a blend of Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Canadian ryes, finished in a trio of casks: Martinique rum, Madeira, and apricot brandy barrels. This combination promises a complex and intriguing experience. Let’s see how it holds up!
This review is taken from our episode Rocky IV / Barrell Seagrass. Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: I got everything on the nose—orange, butterscotch, caramel, brown sugar, toasted marshmallow, crème brûlée, strawberries. This is my favorite nose ever. It’s sweet, decadent, with a touch of spice. 10/10
Bob: I’m with you, Brad. There’s a lot happening here, from orange and dark chocolate to a hint of black coffee. There’s also some strawberry shortcake and peach cobbler notes. It’s deep, complex, and just plain amazing. 10/10
Taste
Brad: This whiskey is rich. The predominant note for me was a creamy strawberry that evolves into a soft, spicy rye with a bit of cinnamon pie. There’s so much going on, and I adore it. 10/10
Bob: While I really like this whiskey, I expected it to be a bit more decadent. The mouthfeel is more alcohol-forward than creamy, with a lot of peach flavors. It stays in a fruity rye wheelhouse but doesn’t spread across the palate like I hoped. 8/10
Finish
Brad: The finish is spicy, long-lasting, with a beautiful Kentucky hug. Cinnamon dominates, mixed with lingering strawberry and peach notes. This is easily a 10/10 for me.
Bob: The finish is solid—spicy and potent, but it doesn’t reach the heights of the nose for me. 8/10
Balance
Brad: This whiskey is big, complex, and challenging, but never in a way that makes you question its quality. The balance is perfect. 10/10
Bob: The balance is good, but there’s a noticeable step down from the nose to the finish for me. It’s still very well-balanced, just not perfect. 8.5/10
Value
Brad: At $80, this whiskey is a steal. The quality here for under $100 is incredible. 10/10
Bob: I like what Barrell is doing, and at $80, it’s a good value. But for me, it doesn’t quite hit the upper echelon, so I’ll give it an 8/10.
Final Scores
Brad: My final score is the first ever perfect score on the show—50/50. This is my favorite whiskey of all time.
Bob: I came out to a 42.5/50. This is a fantastic rye, but for me, it doesn’t top the list of all-time greats.
Average Score: Our combined score is 46.25/50 or 92.5/100.
Conclusion
Barrell Seagrass is a no-brainer purchase, especially if you’re a fan of rye whiskey. With a combined score of over 46/50, it’s clear this bottle is something special. Brad even called it his favorite whiskey ever, giving it a perfect score. At $80, this is a whiskey that delivers on all fronts—complexity, flavor, and value. If you find it on the shelf, don’t hesitate to buy it. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey lover or just getting into the game, Barrell Seagrass is a must-have.
