A Refreshing Change in the World of Whiskey and Rum

For all the whiskey and rum connoisseurs out there, get ready to rejoice. Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS), one of America’s original independent whiskey and rum blenders, is gearing up to increase production of their award-winning bottles. Founded in 2013 by Joe Beatrice in Louisville, Kentucky, BCS had a vision to revolutionize the concept of a modern whiskey brand. Inspired by the traditional Scottish method of blending liquid from different barrels, Beatrice chose to source barrels of finished product instead of distilling their own. This unique approach has proven to be wildly successful.

BCS made a significant mark in 2017 when they won the prestigious Best Bourbon award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition with their Barrell Bourbon Batch 011. This recognition caught the attention of drinkers everywhere, propelling their expertly blended bottles to the forefront of the bourbon boom. Despite their rising popularity, BCS remains relatively unknown to the general public.

One reason for their growing reputation is their commitment to continually releasing different cask-strength bottlings that sell out quickly. Each release is distinct, ensuring that no two bottles are alike. With hundreds of releases over the past decade, BCS has cultivated a vast collection that would impress even the most discerning bar owners.

BCS is not limited to whiskey and bourbon alone. They also dabble in rye and rum, showcasing their versatility and willingness to embrace a variety of blends and finishes. One of their notable creations is the Barrell Tale of Two Islands Rum, which combines Jamaican pot still rum with the aging process in Scottish Islay whisky casks. Another popular offering is the Barrell New Year 2023 Bourbon, a blend of straight bourbons ranging from 5 to 10 years old, sourced from multiple states across the country.

Limited editions are a common occurrence at BCS, as they work with what they consider exceptional barrels. As demand grew, space constraints hindered their ability to blend and age their products. To address this, they recently opened a new 31,000 square-foot facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville. This state-of-the-art facility boasts eight blending tanks with a capacity of 64,000 gallons, allowing BCS to increase their annual blending capacity by over 500%. Additionally, new bottling lines have been installed, capable of producing one million bottles per year. To accommodate all their barrels, BCS also acquired a historic 18,000-barrel rickhouse near their facility.

Joe Beatrice, the founder of BCS, expressed his excitement about the new facility, saying, “We’re thrilled to unveil our new state-of-the-art blending facility and to continue our 10-year legacy of developing sought-after award-winning blends that push the boundaries of American whiskey.” With their expanded capabilities, BCS is poised to make an even larger mark in the industry, ensuring that their premium bottles find their way onto shelves nationwide.

For those who appreciate fine spirits, the rise of Barrell Craft Spirits is nothing short of excellent news. This innovative and creative brand is sure to leave a lasting impression on drinkers’ minds, further solidifying their place in the world of whiskey and rum. So, raise a glass and toast to a new era of extraordinary blends from Barrell Craft Spirits.