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Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, wheat-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +20 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$80 – $100 ~$445 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 8/3 heat: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 7/3 spice: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).