Compare
Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond vs Stellum Bourbon
Comparing Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond and Stellum Bourbon reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond | Stellum Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 4 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$16 – $22 ~$31 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond and Stellum Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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
Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond Stellum Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
heat 5/7 heat: Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 4/4 fruit: Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond: A bonded 100-proof bourbon at a price that barely seems possible, though distribution is patchy outside Kentucky. Unremarkable in the best way: it does everything a bourbon should and nothing extra.
- 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 Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded Kentucky bourbon for under twenty dollars, if you can find it in your state.
- Go with Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond); neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon).