Blind Barrels is a whiskey subscription with a twist—literally. You get to sample exclusive, top-shelf whiskey in a blind-tasting format. Every three months, four curated samples arrive at your door, and the fun part is, you don’t know what you’re sipping until after you’ve tasted and guessed. It’s a unique way to explore craft brands you might not come across in stores, with the added bonus of being able to buy full bottles at special prices if you fall in love with a particular whiskey.
Each lineup is unique, so there’s always something fresh to explore with every box. This quarter’s collection, Release IX: A League of Their Own, had me buzzing with excitement. When I got my box, it felt like opening a gift for myself. Right away, I could tell that a lot of thought went into each selection, and the detailed tasting notes were incredibly helpful. Here’s how my tasting went down:
The first whiskey I tried was Sample A, the American Straight Malt Whiskey from Ironton Distillery. As soon as I took a whiff, I was met with a bright, fruity aroma—notes of plum and pear blossoms stood out to me. When I sipped, the flavors were crisp and well-balanced, with roasted coffee and mocha coming through, along with smoky caramel and toasted pecans. It had a delightful complexity that kept surprising me as I went back for more.
Next was Sample B, the Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Right off the bat, I picked up a rich, toasty scent—like a marshmallow melting on a cinnamon graham cracker, with a touch of fig jam and a hint of lemon. The taste followed through with deep, comforting flavors. Brown sugar, marzipan, and a little dried lemon zest stood out, while the finish brought warm oak and almond toffee. This one was rich and smooth, the kind of whiskey that makes you slow down and savor each sip.
The third pour was Sample C, the Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Bull Run Distilling Company. This one came in strong at 114 proof, and it didn’t hold back. The nose had a bold caramel corn sweetness with a bit of cayenne spice. As I tasted it, I got a mix of spicy and sweet flavors, from French roast coffee to cinnamon almonds. The finish was long, leaving traces of cedar and licorice behind with each sip. It was bold but full of flavor, definitely an intense experience, but one I enjoyed.
My final tasting was Sample D, the Toasted Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey from Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey. The rye spices were evident right away, with aromas of fresh gingerbread and cinnamon sticks filling the air. On the palate, it was just as bold, with pumpernickel, orange marmalade, and a soft vanilla undertone. The finish was long and balanced, with warm notes of nutmeg, orange zest, and vanilla toffee rounding it out. It was complex and well-rounded, leaving me with a satisfying warmth.
The samples also came with a beautifully designed whiskey-tasting glass. It has a sturdy base and a curved shape that helps concentrate the aromas, perfect for savoring each whiskey sample. The glass features the Blind Barrels logo etched into it.
Blind Barrels provides a thrilling whiskey experience that keeps you on your toes while showcasing incredible craft distilleries. Each pour in Release IX: A League of Their Own had its own distinctive character, making it enjoyable to compare and contrast the flavors. The joy of discovering something new in each box is matched by the anticipation of the next tasting adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or simply curious to explore, this subscription is a fantastic way to dive into top-shelf offerings without any pressure.
Blind Barrels is a whiskey subscription club that delivers exclusive, top-shelf whiskey samples right to your door. Each shipment features four curated whiskey samples from unique craft distilleries, and the lineup is different every time. They offer two subscription options: the Annual Whiskey Subscription, which includes four pre-paid quarterly deliveries, and the Quarterly Whiskey Tasting Subscription, where you’re billed every three months. Both options let you enjoy blind tastings, discover new favorites, and access special pricing on full bottles of whiskey.
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