Barrel Craft Spirit Seagrass 16 Years Rye Cask Strength

Overview
Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass 16 Year Gray Label is a limited-edition cask-strength rye whiskey that builds on the original Seagrass release—named Whiskey of the Year by The Bourbon Finder—with innovative multi-cask finishing to elevate a mature Canadian rye base.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Barrell Craft Spirits, known for pioneering blends and finishes, selected two distinct groups of 16-year Canadian rye barrels—one showing citrus and green apple, the other earthy spearmint—for this super-premium Gray Label debut. The triple finishing adds layers but draws mixed reactions, with some critics noting the base lacks the depth of American ryes despite the age and proof. MSRP sits around $250, though secondary pricing varies.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Bright rye spice mingles with apricot, apple, berry, vanilla, and oak, revealing influences from the apricot brandy and Madeira casks.
• Palate: The high proof delivers bold rye character with citrus, green apple, and spearmint earthiness, layered by rhum and brandy sweetness for complexity amid a thinner base texture.
• Finish: Long and eternal, with lingering spice, fruit, and oak that showcase the finishing's balance.

Notable details

• Production: Sourced from Quebec's Valleyfield distillery; blended and finished in three distinct cask types; bottled at cask strength without chill filtration implied by profile.
• Lineage: Follows the acclaimed original Seagrass; part of Barrell Craft Spirits' Gray Label for ultra-mature releases.
• Comparison: Outshines in innovation over the standard Seagrass per enthusiasts, though some prefer the latter's richer American rye base.
• Availability: Limited Gray Label release, positioning it as a collector's item amid high demand.

"The Seagrass 16 is a standout, highly mature rye whiskey that excels in blending, finishing, and flavor delivery, earning top marks for its luxurious profile." – The Bourbon Finder

Closing
A bold, experimental rye for seasoned sippers seeking cask-driven depth over traditional rye fire.

Sources

[1] Thebourbonfinder – "Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass 16 - The Bourbon Finder"

[2] Thebourbonculture – "Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label 16 Year Old Seagrass Rye Whiskey"

[3] Gobourbon – "NEW RELEASE: 16 Year Cask Strength 2022 “Gray Label Seagrass” by Barrell Craft Spirits | The Bourbon Review"

[4] Drinkhacker – "Review: Barrell Gray Label Seagrass 16 Years Old (2021)"

[5] Thebourbonfinder – "Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass 16 - The Bourbon Finder"

[6] Thebourbonculture – "Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label 16 Year Old Seagrass Rye Whiskey"

[7] Gobourbon – "NEW RELEASE: 16 Year Cask Strength 2022 “Gray Label Seagrass” by Barrell Craft Spirits | The Bourbon Review"

[8] Drinkhacker – "Review: Barrell Gray Label Seagrass 16 Years Old (2021)"

[9] Breakingbourbon – "Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label Seagrass (2022 Release) Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[10] Whiskeyreviewer – "Barrell Craft Spirits Come Out With Aged Canadian Rye – The Whiskey Reviewer"

[11] Thebourbonculture – "Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label 16 Year Old Seagrass Rye Whiskey"

[12] Thebourbonfinder – "Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass 16 - The Bourbon Finder"

[13] Gobourbon – "NEW RELEASE: 16 Year Cask Strength 2022 “Gray Label Seagrass” by Barrell Craft Spirits | The Bourbon Review"

[14] Breakingbourbon – "Barrell Craft Spirits Gray Label Seagrass (2022 Release) Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[15] Drinkhacker – "Review: Barrell Gray Label Seagrass 16 Years Old (2021)"