Barrell Craft Spirits Decade 20 Year Old Finished in Spanish Brandy and Hungarian Oak Cask Whiskey is a limited edition, ultra-aged Canadian whiskey blend distilled between 1995 and 2005, then finished for 2–8 months in Spanish brandy and Hungarian oak casks and bottled at a robust 142.7 proof. This collectible, cask-strength release delivers an exceptionally rich and complex profile, featuring bold aromas of ripe stone fruits, baking spice, molasses, and cinnamon, with decadent flavors of brandied cherries, dark toffee, stewed apples, roasted nuts, cocoa, and lingering dried fruit sweetness over waves of spice and toasted oak. Crafted for connoisseurs, Barrell Decade showcases innovative blending and secondary maturation, offering a refined, layered sipping experience that balances sweetness, fruit, and oak intensity in every pour—perfect for those seeking a unique and distinguished addition to their whiskey collection.
Barrell Craft Spirits Decade 20 Year Old Finished In Spanish Brandy and Hungarian Oak Cask Whiskey is a rare, high-proof, ultra-aged whisky crafted for collectors and connoisseurs seeking a unique, layered sipping experience.
Process & Profile
Barrell Decade is an exclusive blend of Canadian whiskeys distilled each year from 1995 to 2005, making every bottle a true decade of artistry and maturation. After the initial aging (20–30 years), the whiskey undergoes a secondary maturation in
Spanish brandy casks and Hungarian oak casks for up to 8 months, infusing the spirit with both lush fruit character and fine-grained spice complexity. Bottled non-chill filtered in Kentucky at an impressive
142.7 proof (71.35% ABV), this makes it a “hazmat-level” whiskey that nevertheless drinks with balanced sophistication rather than sheer intensity.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Inviting aromas of vanilla extract, ripe stone fruit, caramel corn, apricot, strawberry, cinnamon, molasses, and dried fig create an expressive first impression.
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Palate: Lush vanilla frosting, raisin, brown sugar, bubblegum, brandied cherries, dark toffee, stewed apples, roasted nuts, and cocoa powder unfold in a bold sip.
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Finish: Persistent and layered, featuring cinnamon spice, peppery oak, dried fruits, toasted oak, and lingering warmth from the high proof.
What Makes It Special
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A Decade in Every Sip: Crafted using whiskeys distilled across ten consecutive years, this special blend showcases the art of precise yearly selection and blending, resulting in a whiskey with exceptional depth and structure.
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Double Finish: Spanish brandy casks lend opulent, syrupy fruit and raisin notes, while Hungarian oak barrels contribute elegant textures, tannins, and spicy warmth—culminating in a sophisticated, balanced whiskey.
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Black Label Rarity: As part of Barrell’s new *Black Label Series*, Decade is extremely limited, embodying the brand's innovative and vision-driven approach to blending ultra-aged spirits.
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Bottle Strength: At 142.7 proof, it’s one of the highest strength age-stated whiskeys available, notable for its unexpected smoothness and accessibility despite the high ABV.
How to Enjoy
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Neat: Savor slowly in a Glencairn glass to appreciate the intricate aroma and evolving palate.
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With Water: A few drops of water open up further layers of fruit, vanilla, and baking spice, softening the intensity without compromising depth.
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Collectible Statement: Perfect as a centerpiece for a high-end whiskey collection or as a standout gift for serious enthusiasts.
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Pairings: Complements rich desserts (like bread pudding or chocolate torte) or robust cheeses, balancing sweetness with oak-driven spice and fruit.
Barrell Craft Spirits Decade 20 Year Old Finished In Spanish Brandy and Hungarian Oak Cask Whiskey stands as a testament to time, visionary blending, and bold cask finishing—a must-have for those seeking complexity and rarity in fine whiskey.
Frequently Asked Questions
limited edition blend
of Canadian whiskeys, each distilled annually between 1995 and 2005, then finished in Spanish brandy casks and Hungarian oak casks before bottling in Kentucky. How old is this whiskey? This whiskey is
aged for a full 20 years
, with some components potentially older, as the blend features whiskeys distilled from 1995 to 2005. What makes the finishing process unique? It undergoes
Spanish brandy casks
, imparting lush, fruity and syrupy notes, and
Hungarian oak casks
, which contribute warm spice and complex textures for additional depth. What is the alcohol content? Barrell Decade 20 Year Old is bottled at
142.7 proof (71.35% ABV)
, categorized as HAZMAT proof due to its exceptionally high strength, and is non-chill filtered for maximum flavor integrity. What are the key tasting notes? -
Nose:
Ripe stone fruit, baking spice, molasses, dried fig, cinnamon bark -
Palate:
Brandied cherries, dark toffee, stewed apples, roasted nuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, caramel corn, apricot, and strawberry -
Finish:
Long, layered, with lingering spice, toasted oak, and dried fruit sweetness. Where is Barrell Decade 20 Year Old made? The whiskey is
distilled in Canada
and then
transported to Kentucky, USA
for final finishing, blending, and bottling by Barrell Craft Spirits. Is this a collectible or limited release? Yes, Barrell Decade 20 Year Old is a
limited edition, collectible release
, part of Barrell’s “Black Label” series highlighting exceptional blending and finishing techniques. Is Barrell Decade 20 Year Old chill filtered or diluted? This release is
bottled at full cask strength
, ensuring purity of flavor and a robust mouthfeel. What kind of whiskey is this? Barrell Decade 20 Year Old is a
blended Canadian whiskey
with an American whiskey-style bottling, exhibiting both the elegance of older Canadian distillation and the bold flavors enhanced by unique cask finishes. What is the expected price? The suggested retail price is typically
around $199–$249
per 750ml bottle, reflecting its rarity, age, and craftsmanship. How does this whiskey compare in flavor experiences to others? Thanks to its dual-cask finishing and long aging, it delivers
exceptional complexity
: sweet and fruity notes from brandy casks, warming spice from Hungarian oak, all delivered with impressive balance despite the very high proof.
