SHORTBARREL Toasted Barrel
Hey there, fellow bourbon enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got a bottle that’s been causing quite a stir in my little circle of bourbon aficionados—Shortbarrel Toasted Barrel Small Batch Bourbon. Now, before we dive into the delicious details of this liquid gold, let me tell you a little story about how this bottle not only won me over but also earned a special thumbs-up in my father-in-law’s world. Buckle up because this is going to be one flavorful ride!
A Brief (but Intriguing) History of Shortbarrel Bourbon
Originally formed in 2015 in Atlanta, GA, Shortbarrel started as a small group of bourbon enthusiasts. Over the years, they handpicked around 350 barrels with meticulous care, ensuring only the best bore their name. During a tipsy Sunday in Louisville in 2020, a serendipitous meeting with a barrel broker inspired them to create their own brand. By early 2021, Shortbarrel bourbon hit the shelves in Georgia. Fast forward to today, they've sold over 10,000 cases, expanded to four states, and even acquired Atlanta's first distillery, Old Fourth Distillery, in 2023. Now, they're looking forward to a bright future in the whiskey world. And on the off chance you don’t live in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, or Kentucky, they do ship to 47 states.
Southern Hospitality
When I began this blog, my unique angle was to provide honest reviews in exchange for a sticker from the distillery, with both parties agreeing to the exchange and saying, “I’ll drink to that.” This idea was inspired by my time in the military, where you would exchange patches from other battles. I have emailed countless distillers and never gotten any responses. However, to date, Green River and Peerless have held up to their end of the deal and now I can add Shortbarrel to this list.
I first discovered Shortbarrel on Instagram. As I was scrolling through my search feed, hitting the like button, this distinctive brand kept popping up. Intrigued, I decided to delve deeper and was thrilled to find out they offer nationwide shipping. This discovery led me to feature Shortbarrel in my inaugural "5 Whiskey Brands That Ship Straight to Your Door" blog post. I reached out to them for some additional questions, and they generously sent me a bottle of their Toasted Barrel. Needless to say, this exchange with Shortbarrel won me over from the get-go.
Bottle Appearance: First Impressions Matter
Now on to what you want. The HONEST review. The first thing that grabs your attention with Shortbarrel is the bottle. It's a sleek and classy design that makes an immediate impression. What I like to see in a bottle is not the traditional long-neck bottles we see at the store. This is short and stubby, with a cool bottle top design at the bottom of the bottle (I did my best with the description ha). The label exudes elegance and sophistication, quietly suggesting, "I'm here for a good time, not a long time." Even my father-in-law, who typically cares more about the contents than the packaging, as we all should, gave an approving nod. The cork pops with a satisfying sound, making you feel like you're opening a little bottle of celebration.
Smell the Magic
Once you get past the looks, it’s time for the real test—the nose. I took a deep sniff and was greeted by a delightful mix of vanilla, cherry, toasted marshmallow, and my favorite burnt brown sugar. It’s like someone combined all the best parts of a campfire and put them in a glass. There’s a hint of cinnamon in there, too, just to keep things interesting. My father-in-law took a sniff and immediately started nodding. It doesn't seem like much, but a nod or two from that man is a good sign.
Flavor Fiesta
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—tasting this beauty. The first sip is a flavor explosion. Caramel takes the lead for me, followed by a wave of vanilla, and then a subtle oak and spice come in to keep things balanced. You can even taste a bit of orange, cherry, and peach in the back. It’s rich and complex without being overwhelming. Imagine a perfectly toasted piece of bread—crispy, warm, and oh-so-satisfying. My father-in-law, who’s tried more bourbons than I can count, took a sip and gave an appreciative grunt, which is high praise coming from him, and said, “NICE.” The one note that I find in other toasted bourbons hard to find is the toasted part. You actually get a toasted note in this bottle!
The Encore
The finish is where Short Barrel Toasted Barrel really shines. It’s long and smooth and leaves a pleasant warmth in your chest. There’s a lingering toasted sweetness that makes you feel like you’ve just had a dessert but without any of the guilt. The spice notes hang around just long enough to remind you that this bourbon has depth and character. My father-in-law, never one to mince words, simply said, “Now that’s a good bourbon.” High praise indeed.
A Toast to Toasted
So, what’s the final verdict? Shortbarrel Toasted Barrel Small Batch is a delightful adventure in a bottle. It’s approachable enough for bourbon newbies but has enough complexity to keep seasoned drinkers interested. Plus, it’s got a story about some friends enjoying what we all love, and who doesn’t love a good story with their drink? Whether you’re sipping it neat, on the rocks, or getting fancy with a cocktail, it’s a solid choice, and I can't wait to try more of their offerings. Here’s to Shortbarrel—may their barrels always be perfectly toasted, and their batches always be small but mighty.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 94 • Mashbill: Blend of Bardstown & Green River • Aged: 4yrs (Toasted 45 days) •Price: $60
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 4 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 4 • Uniqueness: 3 • Value: 5 • Overall: 4
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 