Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass Gold Label 20 Year is the pinnacle release in the Seagrass family from Barrell Craft Spirits, the Louisville based independent bottler led by founder Joe Beatrice and master blender Tripp Stimson. The Seagrass line is defined by its trio of exotic cask finishes — Martinique rhum agricole, Madeira, and apricot brandy — applied to aged Canadian rye whiskey to deliver a profile unlike any other finished rye on the shelf. In the Gold Label expression the base liquid is a blend of 20 year aged rye, making it one of the oldest finished American style ryes ever released, and it is bottled completely uncut and unfiltered at its natural barrel strength of 128.12 proof (64.06% ABV). Each bottle is hand numbered and signed by the blender on the shield shaped label. Presented in the premium burgundy Gold Label gift box, this is a limited annual release that has won multiple "Whiskey of the Year" level honors in the whiskey press and commands a dedicated collector following. 750ml.
ABV / Proof
| Producer |
Barrell Craft Spirits, Louisville Kentucky |
| Master Blender |
Tripp Stimson |
| Type |
Blended Aged Rye Whiskey — Finished |
| Series |
Gold Label — Seagrass |
| Age Statement |
20 Years |
| Cask Finish |
Martinique rhum agricole, Madeira, and apricot brandy casks |
| Filtration |
Uncut and unfiltered |
| Bottling |
Barrel proof, individually numbered |
| ABV |
64.06% |
| Proof |
128.12 Proof |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States (blended and bottled); Canada (source rye) |
| Packaging |
Signed and numbered bottle in premium burgundy Gold Label gift box |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep mahogany with warm ruby highlights and heavy legs on the glass from the barrel proof.
Nose: Dried apricot, grilled pineapple, brown sugar, and Madeira fruit cake lead with layered notes of toasted pecan, clove, dark honey, and polished oak. The rhum agricole adds a distinctive grassy tropical lift.
Palate: Dense and coating. Dried stone fruit, candied orange peel, maple, and dark caramel lead. Mid palate delivers baking spice, nutmeg, cocoa, and tropical grassy rum character. At 20 years the rye spine carries deep oak without tipping into dryness.
Finish: Very long, warming, and layered with lingering dried apricot, toasted oak, and espresso. The barrel proof keeps the structure tight — a drop of water opens it further.
FAQ
What is Barrell Craft Spirits Gold Label?
Gold Label is Barrell Craft Spirits' top tier annual release line, reserved for their oldest and most ambitious blends. Past Gold Label releases include 15 and 16 year bourbon, 20 year bourbon, and the Seagrass 20 Year Rye. Each is released once a year in limited numbers and priced as a collector flagship.
How is this different from standard Barrell Seagrass?
The standard Seagrass release (non Gold Label) is batched with younger aged rye at a lower price tier. Seagrass Gold Label 20 Year is built entirely from 20 year rye stocks and bottled at barrel proof with individual numbering. It is the same flavor philosophy scaled up in age, proof, and rarity.
Is the rye American or Canadian?
Barrell Craft Spirits is an independent American blender that does not distill its own whiskey. Their Seagrass line uses Canadian sourced rye whiskey, finished and blended in the United States. The label reads "Blended Aged Rye Whiskey" rather than "Kentucky Straight Rye" for this reason.
Do I need to add water?
At 128.12 proof this is a very high strength whiskey. It can be enjoyed neat but most drinkers will want to add a few drops of water or a small ice cube to open up the palate and soften the heat. A drop of water will reveal significantly more of the Madeira and apricot brandy character.
Where can I buy Barrell Seagrass Gold Label 20 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
