2021 NCBS Barrel Picks
01
Wild Turkey Charity Bottle
Barrel# 20-0508, Floor 4, Warehouse E
Barreled: 16 September 2011
Bottled: 27 October 2020
Proof: 110
Named: NCBS Charity
Nose: rich buttery caramel and coco powder.
Palate: maple syrup, buttery and rich leather//tobacco, with a hint of sweat-tea or dried fig.
Finish: begins with the sweetness of the caramel, walks away slowly, then Boom... circles back
On 13 July 2020, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was able to spend the morning with Shawn Phillips from Campari Group and taste through some amazing Wild Turkey single barrel samples. Of course we would have loved to go to the Lawrenceburg, KY facility; however, staying staff during the current COVID situation. You might remember, this is when we also selected the "Ozark" Episode bottles.
We explained the plan for the the next NCBS Charity event and Campari was gracious enough to allow us to select a barrel just for that event. This barrel is dedicated to The Dragon Fly House and the Zebulon Boy & Girls Club. Here are the tasting notes from the pick. We hope that you enjoy it!
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02
Peerless Double Oak Rye
Barrel# R150922109
Proof: 109.6
Named: Moe says "Enjoy Peerless Double Oak"
Nose: hints of burnt caramel & sugar.
Palate: sweet candy, toasted oak, oily yet balanced.
Finish: fresh apricot, late arrival of pepper from the rye, has a bit of a chew to it.
On 1 July 2020, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team got the opportunity to work with Caleb Kilburn and John Wadell on a new Peerless Double Oaked Rye.
This session included three offerings that in age, each had spent a year in a new barrel before being transferred to a second barrel for four more years. As happens sometimes, the Selection Team didn't find one that everyone agreed upon. Peerless being a Top Notch company, sent us three new samples and we reconvened on 19 July 2020. This group of samples was amazing and a winner was chosen.
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03
Knob Creek
Barrel# 12014C Lot ID:11E23
Proof: 120
Named: Yep, That is some good Knob Creek that you got right there.
Nose: melon, honey dew, and apple.
Palate: toasted, oak, black pepper, green apple.
Finish: buttery caramel apple, oak and warmth for the high proof.
On 18 October 2020, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team got the opportunity to work with Knob Creek .
This session included three 9yr samples, all ranging in the 122 proof range. Each one was complex and unique [even after all these years, it still amazes me how different each barrel can be].
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04
BCS Rye for Cabarrus
County
Barrel# M245
Proof: 108.5
Named: Zots War Head
Nose: floral, green apple.
Palate: creamy, sour tart war head, fresh green apple.
Finish: green apple, semi-sweet coco, holds profile even with a drop of water.
On 18 October 2020, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was fortunate enough to team up with the Barrell Craft Spirits team again. We had just finished selecting the Knob Creek above, took a break, had some great food, and then dove into three MGP Rye samples. This barrel was selected for our friends in Cabarrus County! We hope you get the change to enjoy it.
05
BCS Special Release
Blend: 45% 5yr, 5% 9yr, 40% 13yr, and 10% 15yr (A30K)
Proof: 112.36
Yield: 162 Bottles
Named: The Blender
Nose: fruity, hints of honey.
Palate: rich buttery, creamy honey, hints of coco and nut.
Finish: good mouth feel, coco then spice up from, is very smooth for having 45 % 5yr
On 17 December 2020, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was fortunate enough to team up with the Barrell Craft Spirits for a new Private Release Blend. This is a an awesome experience to try different blends of several different years. The blends also included bourbons from IN, KY, and TN.
The blend selected is complex and drinks more like a 10-12yr smooth bourbon. Here are the notes, hope you are fortunate enough to snag one of these.
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06
Jack Daniel's SiB Rye
Barrel# 4244 14-H-18 (Barreled 14 August 2018)
Mash Bill: 70% Rye, 18% corn, 12% barely
Proof: 94
Named: ALBEMARL-RYE.
Nose: sweet, fruity.
Palate: rye spice, caramel banana, hints of fig, apple, toasted barrel.
Finish: light cracked pepper and the apple notes seem to linger.
On 2 January 2021, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was asked to select a Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye for Albemarle ABC Board.
Jack Daniel's provided three great samples [COVID is still not letting folks into distilleries for selections] to choose from. The team enjoyed each sample and selected one that we hope you enjoy.
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07
Light Whiskey (MGP)
Barrel# SC-92
Proof: 147.4
Named: Hazmat Cotton Candy
Nose: floral to herbal.
Palate: malt, herbal yet sweet, backed goods.
Finish: some burn on the lips, then some pepper on the back. With some ice or a couple drops of water, the mouth feel is creamy and the sweetness is like cotton candy melting in your mouth.
On 8 February 2021, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team had the opportunity to sample three very high proof 14yr MGP Light Whiskeys. These came in at 138.5, 138.8, and 147.4 proof. We do not normally pick light whiskey single barrels; however, it was hard to pass up the opportunity with these ages and proofs.
Everyone was amazed at the complexity and cotton candy profile of the 147.4 proof after just a couple of drops of water. This bottle will disappear just like the racoon's cotton candy. Hope you enjoy it.
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08
Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof
Barrel# 15-K-10
Proof: 131.7
Named: I want my Barrel Proof!!!!!!
Nose: fruity, Brown-Forman all the way.
Palate: dried fig, leather, tabacco, toffee, crème brulee, toffee.
Finish: smooth, hints of chocolate nots over the leather and tobacco.
On 20 March 2021, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was asked to select a Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Bourbon. Do not under estimate the flavor profiles coming out of these JDBP selections. We had several great options to pick from, which no one would ever complain about.
So glad that we did this pick, what a great experience and can't wait until we select another one of these.
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09
Clyde May's SiB Select
Age: 5 years
Proof: 102
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley (IND)
Nose: baked goods, oak, hint of something sweet
Palate: great mouth feel, creamy, coco, baked goods, some buttery notes
Finish: there is a pause then a peppery spike with a long walk-away finish
On 7 April 2021, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was able to spent the afternoon with L.C. Mays and select an amazing single barrel for North Carolina. Those that don't know, Clyde May proudly served in the Army’s 77th Infantry Division during World War II. He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart while commanding a 12-man rifle squad. After the war he want to make the best spirits that he could. Distilled since 1946. Legal since 2001. Over 70 years of authenticity, dedication, integrity and perseverance.
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10
Wild Turkey Camp Nelson
Barrel# 21-0299, Floor 4, Camp Nelson - A Wearhouse
Barreled: 12 December 2012
Bottled: 25 August 2021
Proof: 110
Named: MOGWAI
Proof: 110
Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley
Nose: light earthy notes, herbal sweetness.
Palate: raisin, rich honey and caramel sweetness followed by vanilla, cherries, citrus, apple, and licorice.
Finish: oily mouth feel, mild and very smooth then a little bust of heat.
Still wanting to get back to the Wild Turkey Campus; however, COVID still ruling the day... So on 13 June 2021, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team was spent the afternoon sampling some amazing Wild Turkey samples. This was very difficult, as we would have taken all the barrels if it was allowed. Nevertheless, we powered through and picked two barrels that would make every Wild Turkey fan envious... Here are the notes on the gems selected. Cheers!
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11
Bardstown Bourbon Company Futures Program
On 20 June 2021, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team spent the afternoon at Bardstown Bourbon Company. They are creating a modern, authentic bourbon experience that pushes the boundaries through innovation, while honoring the traditional art of making whiskey.
NCBS was fortunate enough to have the honor of participating in their futures program. We will get to watch this barrel as it ages over the years and keep you posted!!!!
NCBS Member Photos
Selection Setup
NCBS Member Photos
NCBS Member Photos
12
Bulleit Bourbon SiB
Proof: 104
Named: Carolina Tea
Nose: very pleasant, hint of citrus.
Palate: herbal tea, dark fruit, leather, sugar cookie.
Finish: herbal tea, dark chocolate, jack fruit,
On 21 Jun 2021, a small NCBS Barrel Selection Team was lucky enough to make a trip out to Bulleit Frontier Whiskey in Shelbyville, KY (which is always a great experience)
Bulleit present the NCBS team with six different barrels made up from two different recipes. We had four 12yr/mash bill 21% Rye, 75% corn, 4% malted barley/yeast strain E (fruit & creamy) and two 10yr/mash bill 36% Rye, 60% corn, 4% malted barley/yeast strain B (strawberry fruit).
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13
Elijah Craig SiB Barrel Proof
Barrel# 6204285, Floor 5, Warehouse AA
Barreled: 2012
Bottled: 2021
Proof: 130
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Named: Bourbon Brothers
Nose: leather, caramel, aged oak.
Palate: buttery, toffee, brown sugar, hint of light oak.
Finish: this has that “Kentucky Hug” and what might be called “Cherry Punch”
On 22 Jun 2021, NCBS spent the day at Heaven Hill and had the opportunity to select an Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Proof!!! Talk about a hard task. Three great barrels... We even asked if we could take them all; however, one one barrel on this trip.
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14
The Bourbon Bear
Whiskey Company
Mash Bill: 78% corn, 13% rye, 9% barley
Proof: 108.18
Named: Bourbon Bear #2
Nose: dried fruit, hints of apricot or maybe honeydew melon.
Palate: dried fruit, soft caramel notes that move to maple syrup, buttery mouth feel.
Finish: something refined and sophisticated here, no burn, nice sugar ring, drinks like a lower proof.
In Oct 2020, the NCBS Barrel Selection Team had the great opportunity to work with
15
O.K.I.
Barrel #: BBL06
Age: 5yr
Proof: 113.7
Named: The OKI Barrel That Should Not Be
Nose: dusty and earthy notes.
Palate: mild rye spice, hints of oak and dried fruits.
Finish: creamy mouth fell, long slow walk of fresh cracked pepper
In October 2021, NCBS was very lucky to have the opportunity to help select an O.K.I. single barrel bourbon. This was a great occasion and presented the members of NCBS with an unsuspected experience and a great bourbon.
16 & 17
Major Pingree
Barrel: I-39
Age: 7yr
Proof: 118.4
Named: Bourbon
Nose: rich dark notes.
Palate: dark chocolate, baked goods, hints of leather.
Finish: very smooth; w/H2O it still holds the dark notes.
Barrel: I-31
Age: 6yr
Proof: 122.4
Named: Rye
Nose: muted spearmint.
Palate: minty fresh, complex, hint of dryness and some dill.
Finish: crisp, holds with a slow walk away.
On 22 Oct 2021, a NCBS Barrel Selection Team found themselves in Detroit, MI. at the Valentine Distillery for the selection of two barrels. There was no predetermined one Bourbon and one Rye; the Master Distillery selected several barrels for us to sample and stated we could take the best two. Man oh man, did we want them all. There was not a single barrel that we would not take. The Team ended up selecting one 7yr Bourbon and one 6yr Rye.
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17
Larceny
Barrel #: 6678597 Rickhouse HH, Floor 3
Age: 7yr
Proof: 92
Mash Bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% barley
Named: NCBS For Asheville
Nose: fresh bread and toffee, with a note of butterscotch.
Palate: buttery caramel and honeyed notes, with a rich mouthfeel.
Finish: long, gently sweet and savory.
On 22 Jun 2021, NCBS spent the day at Heaven Hill and had the opportunity to select on of the last Larceny Single Barrels, as they are ending that program. You might remember, we also picked an Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Proof on this trip, which is featured above on the page. What most don't know is that John E. Fitzgerald was in a distiller, in fact a treasury agent who used his rickhouse keys to steal a taste of the best barrels, thus committing larceny.
Heaven Hill Warehouse Y
Pick Team
The Larceny & ECBP Barrels
Heaven Hill Warehouse Y
18
Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof
Barrel# 2107943
Barreled: 19 May 2016
Bottled: Oct 2021
Proof: 94
Mash Bill: 80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye
Nose: banana bread, caramel, light oak.
Palate: sweet Werther's candies, dried banana.
Finish: oak, banana (again), and white pepper.
In October 2021, the Locust ABC asked the NCBS Barrel Selection Team to help them select a Jack Daniel's Single Barrel that would arrive just in time for the Holidays. Without hesitation we agreed. The Brown-Forman representative provided the selection team with some awesome samples, each one had that Brown-Forman profile that we have come to enjoy