The News
Barrell Craft Spirits introduced an 18-year whiskey finished in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauternes barrels as part of its Black Label Series. The expression blends Kentucky whiskey aged 18 years in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels with Canadian whisky aged 23–25 years in Sauternes barrels, resulting in a complex profile with dark-toned warmth and golden richness. It was released on March 26, 2026, and is available online at barrellbourbon.com for $199.99 per 750ml bottle.
The Takeaway
- Blending Expertise: Barrell’s use of both Kentucky and Canadian whiskies shows their signature approach to layering different aging profiles—Kentucky whiskey aged 18 years in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, and Canadian whisky aged 23–25 years in Sauternes barrels. This creates a unique balance that highlights the distinct characteristics of each region.
- Aging Innovation: The choice of Sauternes and Cabernet Sauvignon barrels is not just about flavor—it’s a deliberate move to add structure and warmth from the tannic nature of the red wine barrels, while the golden richness of Sauternes brings a soft, luxurious finish. This kind of barrel finishing is becoming more popular among craft distillers looking for depth beyond traditional aging.
- Premium Positioning: At $199.99 per bottle, this release positions Barrell as a premium offering within their Black Label Series. The combination of age, origin, and finishing techniques suggests they’re targeting connoisseurs who value complexity and craftsmanship over mass-produced spirits.
Original Press Release
Louisville, KY (March 26, 2026) – Barrell Craft Spirits® (BCS), the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey since 2013, today introduced a limited-edition offering: an 18-year Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauternes Barrels. The new expression is part of the company’s Black Label Series, which showcases cutting-edge blending methods and techniques that set the expert blender apart.
The BCS blending team meticulously crafted this release, which features a harmonious blend of 18-year Kentucky whiskey finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels and Canadian whiskies aged 23 to 25 years finished in Sauternes barrels. Cabernet brings structure and dark-toned warmth, while Sauternes adds a soft, golden richness—together shaping an elegant, sophisticated whiskey with a long, measured finish.
The BCS 18-year Whiskey Finished in Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauternes Barrels was distilled in Kentucky and Canada, then expertly crafted and bottled in Kentucky at 125.24 proof. The new expression is available for purchase online via the BCS website at barrellbourbon.com and at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $199.99 per 750ml bottle.
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, KY, BCS selects and blends products that explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments. BCS’s extensive stocks of high-quality casks mean it can craft extraordinary blends that maximize the nuances of each ingredient. Creative finishes and a liberated approach to blending guide every product release.
The award-winning line of BCS releases is sold in 49 US states, Puerto Rico, the UK, South Korea, Ukraine, and Australia. Follow Barrell Craft Spirits on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit barrellbourbon.com.
Barrell Craft Spirits®
Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits® is the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum. Recognized for our blending expertise since 2013, we skillfully design, produce, and launch leading, unique products that surprise and delight whiskey aficionados and novices alike. Our cask-strength small-batch and single-barrel releases have quickly become an influencing force in American whiskey, winning awards from the world’s most prestigious distilled spirits publications and competitions. Barrell Craft Spirits®, Barrell®, Barrell Bourbon® and Barrell Rye® are registered trademarks owned by Barrell Craft Spirits LLC.
Source: BevNET