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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Stellum Bourbon
Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Stellum Bourbon sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a blender-built, rye-forward bottling versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$45 – $55 ~$5 less |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Stellum Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 5/7 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending.
- Go with Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).