Review: Berentzen Bushel & Barrel

Flavored whiskies… It’s a category that didn’t really exist a few years ago, and it certainly wasn’t taken seriously by bourbon and whiskey drinkers back then. Many still treat it like a step-child. Fast forward to 2014 and everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon inspired by the success of flavored vodkas in the 2000’s. Knob Creek, Crown Royal, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniels, just to name a few have all released flavored versions of their popular bourbon and whiskey spirits. Even Scotch made the leap with a Honey flavor.

So in honor of the 4th of July, we’re reviewing an apple flavored bourbon, Bushel & Barrel. Bourbon and Apple pie are arguably two of the most American things you can have, so we though it would be very patriotic of us to share it today. It comes to us from Berentzen, a brand primarily known for their flavored liqueurs. Their flagship flavor is Apple, and they’ve been making it since 1976. In addition they offer a pear, wild cherry, and peppermint schnapps. Our sample was a new innovation from the brand, a combination of sourced Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, and their classic apple liqueur, creating one of the tastiest flavored whiskies we’ve had so far (we’ve tried a lot!)

First Impression:  When you get to open a bottle, there’s no mistake about it, it’s very Apple forward in aroma. I’d say it’s somewhere between apple juice and apple cider with hints of cinnamon and vanilla behind that. I expected stronger notes from the bourbon. It’s very similar, but not as obnoxious, as the smell of apple pucker.

Taste: In three words: I LOVED THIS. I love and appreciate a good whiskey, but I’m no whiskey snob. If it tastes good in my mouth It’s getting two thumbs up from me. I was a little worried the strong smell of apple was a sign of things to come and would carry over too heavily into the taste of the whiskey, but they did a great job of blending to give it a perfectly crisp apple flavor without covering up those oaky, caramel and vanilla notes we get from bourbon. I’d be careful with this one though, I found myself pouring a second and third glass pretty quickly. I could think of a hundred drink combinations this would be amazing in, and we used it for a summer punch a few weeks back that turned out great. My advice would be keep some for Fall (or grab another bottle), it’ll make one hell of a hot toddy.

Price: $21.99 750ML

ABV: 30% /60 proof

Overall: I won’t look down on you if you drink this stuff right out of the bottle. It’s one of our favorite flavored whiskies we’ve had, right up there with Knob Creek Maple. It’s great on its own over ice, and it can work in a ton of drinks. Add to that it’s something you really can drink all year round, and it’s at a good price.  I’ve read reviews and comments from “bourbon snobs” about how this and other brands like it aren’t real whiskey or bourbon, but i’m of the opinion that if it tastes good, why are you arguing when you could be drinking it?

Bushel & Barrel is available nationwide. For more information on Bushel & Barrel, or any of Berentzen’s other brands, visit their website at: www.http://berentzenusa.com/

Cheers

Disclaimer: Bushel & Barrel Sample was provided courtesy of the brand and in no way was influential of our review.. Photos are property of Berentzen and Intoxicology.