Jan. 28, 2025

Whiskey Review: Barrell Seagrass Toasted Rye

Whiskey Review: Barrell Seagrass Toasted Rye

Introduction

Today, we’re diving into a special whiskey: Barrell Seagrass Toasted. If you’re a longtime listener, you’ll remember that Brad’s favorite whiskey is the original Barrell Seagrass. A few weeks ago, during our conversation with the founders of Barrell Craft Spirits, they mentioned their limited-edition Barrell Seagrass Toasted and kindly sent us bottles to review. So, here we are, tasting this unique expression with its secondary maturation in toasted American oak.

For those unfamiliar, Barrell Seagrass is a rye whiskey finished in Martinique Rum, Madeira, and Apricot Brandy barrels. The Toasted version adds another layer of complexity with toasted American oak, aiming to enhance the already rich flavor profile. Clocking in at 119.12 proof, it’s a high-proof rye whiskey with undisclosed mash bill and sourcing from Indiana and Canada. Priced at $200, this bottle firmly sits in the premium category. Let’s see how it holds up.

This review is taken from our episode "Creed / Barrell Seagrass Toasted Rye Whiskey." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Brad: I freaking love Seagrass, man. The rye comes through stronger here than in the original Seagrass—lots of mint, candied cherry, cheesecake, and almond extract. It’s rich, vibrant, and loaded with beautiful flavors alongside the classic minty rye goodness. I’m giving this a 9.5/10.

Bob: This is a fantastic nose. I’m not as much of a rye guy as Brad, but when I go for a rye, I want it to lean fully into the spicy, minty, and slightly sour notes. This hints at those qualities without going all the way, making it approachable for bourbon drinkers too. What stands out for me is the fruitiness—it’s like a full lineup of Wrigley’s gum: spearmint, bubble gum, and juicy fruit. I’m giving it an 8.5/10.

Taste

Brad: The palate is incredible. The rye and caramel notes dominate, but you also get sweet mint, cherry Tootsie Pop, apple peel, and even a hint of candied ginger. It’s not perfect, but it’s close. I’m at a 9/10.

Bob: The palate surprised me. When I first opened this bottle last week, I didn’t like it as much as the regular Seagrass. Now, I’m getting gummy peach rings alongside citrus, rich caramel, and a noticeable apricot brandy influence. It’s insanely drinkable and incredibly crushable. I’m giving it a 9/10.

Barrell Seagrass Toasted rye whiskey, as reviewed by Film & Whiskey

Finish

Brad: The finish is where this whiskey shines. Peppermint, dill, and rye spices take center stage, with almond extract, pear, and whipped cream adding complexity. It’s everything I love about Seagrass, amplified. I’m giving it a 10/10.

Bob: The finish brings back the Madeira grape influence, with a creamy texture reminiscent of a cream saver. The apricot brandy’s sweetness lingers, making this one of the first toasted barrel finishes I’ve truly appreciated. It amplifies and enhances the other barrel influences. I’m at a 9.5/10.

Balance

Brad: This whiskey is beautifully balanced. Rich, decadent flavors pair seamlessly with rye spice and creamy textures, creating an experience that’s cohesive and satisfying. I’m giving it a 9.5/10.

Bob: I agree. Everything works together here—rich fruit, rye spice, and toasted barrel sweetness. It’s amplified and cohesive, without any one element overwhelming the others. I’m also at a 9.5/10.

Value

Brad: At $200, this is undeniably pricey. The regular Seagrass, which is fantastic, is around $90. While this is exceptional, the price is steep. Still, I think the quality justifies it to a degree, so I’m giving it a 7/10.

Bob: I wrestled with the price. While it drinks like a $200 whiskey and the market supports that price, I question whether the added toasted barrel finish justifies doubling the cost of the original Seagrass. I’m giving it a 7.5/10.

Final Scores

Brad: My final score for Barrell Seagrass Toasted is a 45/50.

Bob: I’m at a 43.5/50. This is one of my highest scores of the season.

Conclusion

Barrell Seagrass Toasted delivers an elevated rye whiskey experience, offering rich complexity and incredible drinkability. At an average score of 44.25/50, it easily surpasses the 40/50 threshold for a strong recommendation. If you’re a rye enthusiast or looking for a special bottle, this is worth the $200 price tag. For those new to rye, we suggest starting with the original Seagrass at $90 before stepping into this premium expression.

Related Episode

Jan. 28, 2025

Creed / Barrell Seagrass Toasted Rye

In this knockout episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob and Brad take on Creed (2015), Ryan Coogler's brilliant reinvention of the Rocky franchise starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone. They explore the movie's themes o…