Brown-Foreman is the only major manufacturer the has their own cooperage that makes their bottles. To honor these craftsmen, they released Cooper’s Craft a few years back. The original expression was bottled at 82 proof. The second release, Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve. This one comes in at 100 proof and is aged in barrels that have a patented process in how they cut the barrel prior to charring. They state it gives more surface area for the bourbon to interact with the wood. Let’s take a look at how it turns out.
Color is a light amber in the glencairn. Quickly forming legs run quickly down the sides of the glass.
The nose hits with initially with heavy mineral notes and some slight ethanol burn. Some green oak comes into play and the classic Old Forester (also a Brown-Foreman product) banana notes. Light floral notes present themselves, but they are very subtle and took multiple nosings to pick up anything over the oak and minerals. Decent nose overall, but nothing memorable.
First taste brings some very nice, light spice, almost like “watered down” cinnamon. Some additional baking spice in there as well. The mineral from the nose come in along with some oak and, you guessed it, banana. Not quite single note, but the spice is the winner here. Fairly straight forward palate that doesn’t take alot of thinking, but is solid.
Given the palate, the finish is surprisingly long. The spice hangs on the lips and on the back end. As it trails off, I pick up some baker’s chocolate and the oak that has been predominant across the entire process.
In summary, one may think that this is a one-note (spice) pour. While that initially seems to be the case, it is very pleasant. With a retail of around $35, Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve comes in right where it should. Very easy sipper, will probably work nicely in a cocktail and would make a nice intro pour for your non-bourbon loving fans.
Cooper's Craft Barrel Reserve
6
Pros
- Nice long finish
- Price vs performance
- Nice spice
Cons
- Flat nose