Barrell Bourbon Foundation
Barrell Bourbon Foundation is a 100-proof (50% ABV), 750mL blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 5 to 9 years — Kentucky (8 years), Indiana (5, 6 and 9 years), Tennessee (8 years) and Maryland (5 and 6 years) — on a derived mash bill of 73% corn, 23% rye and 4% malted barley, blended and bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits in Louisville, Kentucky. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Foundation was a first for Barrell: after a decade of cask strength releases, it is the company's first non-cask-strength bourbon, built to prove that great blending works at an approachable proof too. The 23% rye in the mash gives it the richness and spice of its barrel-proof siblings, while the 100-proof bottling brings the lush sweetness and dark fruit forward — a bourbon for neat pours, big ice, and cocktails alike.
Tasting profile: honey, candied strawberry, dark cherry and grilled cantaloupe on the nose with lavender, fennel, cocoa, brown butter, cardamom, grilled peaches, hazelnut and lemon-lime zest; maple pecans, dark chocolate and cinnamon on the palate with tiramisu, cardamom cake, fennel, lemongrass and lemon zest in a creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel; a long, creamy finish of cinnamon, toffee and vanilla pudding. Browse the Barrell Craft Spirits brand collection, more bourbon whiskey, and the full whiskey collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Serving note: neat, over a large cube, or in an Old Fashioned — the high-rye structure was blended to hold up in a cocktail. Your Old Fashioneds will never be the same.
What is Barrell Foundation? Barrell Craft Spirits' first non-cask-strength bourbon — a 100-proof blend of 5- to 9-year-old bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Maryland.
What is the mash bill? A derived 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley across the blend.
How old is it? The components run 5 to 9 years; the bottle carries a 5-year age statement.
What is the ABV? 50% ABV (100 proof), 750mL.