Barrell Bourbon Foundation 5 Year Old
Barrell Bourbon Foundation 5 Year Old is Barrell Craft Spirits' entry-level statement — the Louisville independent blender's first-ever non-cask-strength bourbon, launched in October 2023 as an ongoing release. It's a 5-year age-stated blend of straight bourbons from Kentucky (8 years), Indiana (5, 6 and 9 years), Tennessee (8 years) and Maryland (5 and 6 years), married to a derived mash bill of 73% corn, 23% rye and 4% malted barley, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) in 750mL. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 50% (100 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 5-year age statement (blend components run 5–9 years)
- Blend: Kentucky 8yr + Indiana 5/6/9yr + Tennessee 8yr + Maryland 5/6yr; derived mash bill 73% corn / 23% rye / 4% malted barley
- Company: Barrell Craft Spirits, Louisville, KY — independent blender founded 2013
- Positioning: Barrell's first non-cask-strength bourbon — launched Oct 2023, ongoing, blended for neat pours, ice, and cocktails
Barrell, Bottled at 100 Proof
Barrell built its name on cask-strength blends and numbered batches; Foundation is the other side of the house — the same blending bench, aimed at the everyday shelf. The 100-proof bottling keeps the multi-state blend's character intact while pouring like a classic: the brand's notes run honey, candied strawberry, dark cherry, grilled cantaloupe, lavender and cocoa on the nose; maple pecans, dark chocolate, cinnamon, tiramisu and cardamom cake on the palate; cinnamon, toffee and vanilla pudding on the finish. Third-party scores include 91 points from Whisky Advocate and Gold at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Explore more bourbon whiskey and American whiskey, or shop the Barrell Craft Spirits range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand's official notes: nose — honey, candied strawberry, dark cherry, grilled cantaloupe, lavender, fennel, cocoa, brown butter, cardamom, grilled peaches, hazelnut, lemon/lime zest. Palate — maple pecans, dark chocolate, cinnamon, tiramisu, cardamom cake, fennel, lemongrass, lemon zest; creamy and full-bodied. Finish — cinnamon, toffee, vanilla pudding. Appearance — golden amber.
How to Enjoy
Neat, over ice, or in cocktails — the brand blends it for all three. At 100 proof it's a natural Old Fashioned base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barrell Foundation Bourbon?
Barrell Craft Spirits' first non-cask-strength bourbon — an ongoing 100-proof, 5-year age-stated blend launched October 2023.
Where does the whiskey come from?
A blend of straight bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Maryland, aged 5–9 years.
Is there a Double Barrel version?
Yes — a Foundation Double Barrel line extension (secondary maturation in new toasted American oak) launched around January 2025. Check the bottle label to confirm which expression this listing carries.
What is the mash bill?
Derived: 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley.
Barrell's blending bench at an everyday proof — order Barrell Foundation 5 Year online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.