At 25 years old, Barrell Craft Spirits Whiskey offers the depth of highly matured whiskey complemented by a Sercial Madeira barrel finish. The underlying dry nuttiness of Sercial Madeira adds a new dimension to the whiskey that is exceptional. Appearance: Golden Brown with goldenrod highlights and umber lowlights. Nose: Opens on medjool dates, honeydew melon, butterscotch and light molasses. The nose then expands in many directions at once, evolving additional fruit in the form of Montmorency cherry and dried apricot; floral aromas of apple blossom and fennel pollen; mineral notes of gravel, sea shells, and salt; and some notes that only come from a long, slow maturation, such as Palo Cortado sherry, mastic, and unlit cigar. Palate: Halva, molasses and chocolate syrup make for a sweet entry, but they’re quickly balanced by tart fruit: kiwi, dragon fruit, and meyer lemon. A subtle array of herbs and spices lend the palate depth, evolving cinnamon, juniper, and anise hyssop. Finish: Deeper and darker than the palate, its pastry notes are fuller, like oatmeal cookie and ganache; its fruit notes less piquant, such as purple plum, husk cherry and lemon sherbet. Flavors of rosemary and nutmeg recall the spicy and herbaceous notes from before, while a salty touch seems to magnify flavors and make the mouth water for another sip.