Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey, finished in Martinique rum, Madeira, and apricot brandy barrels
- Jeffrey Lavallee
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
NAS 60.19%
I love rye whiskey. I can’t name a rye that I’ve had that I disliked. For me, rye falls into two categories, those ideal for sipping and those crafted for mixing. While I certainly enjoy sipping mixing ryes, there's a distinct pleasure in the robustness of a peppery rye that can hold its own in a Manhattan. This is why I advocate steering clear of bourbon in such cocktails; the sweetness of bourbon combined with vermouth tends to overpower the drink, creating an overly saccharine concoction.
Enter Barrell's Seagrass Rye—a truly distinctive offering. Its flavor profile is unusual in my experience. It excels as a sipping rye, with its spicy notes tempered by the rum, Madeira, brandy finishing process. The journey from the first sip to the lingering finish is like an escape, transporting me from the depths of mid-January to the sun-soaked shores of Martinique.
It wasn’t until I did the write-up that I realized that Seagrass Rye boasts an impressive 60% ABV. That’s really strong. Yet, its smoothness belies its strength. I never felt overwhelmed by its alcohol content. It's worth noting that adding a few drops of water can soften the intensity, a practice commonly embraced by seasoned whiskey enthusiasts. So, don't let the high ABV deter you; Barrell's Seagrass Rye is an experience not to be missed.
What did you think of it?
VA ABC - $79.99
Total Wine - $89.99
DC - $79.99
Hello and welcome to Whiskey and Politics’ Whiskey of the Week
Today let’s taste Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey, finished in Martinique rum, Madeira and apricot brandy barrels.
There’s no age statement for this liquor and it comes in at 60% ABV.
Some ryes are good for sipping and others do very well in a cocktail.
Barrell's Seagrass Rye is a distinctive sipping rye. Every sip is like an escape, transporting me from the depths of winter to the sun-soaked shores of Martinique.
Yes, it has a high ABV. But, its smoothness belies its strength and adding a few drops of water can soften the intensity. So, don't let the high alcohol content deter you; Barrell's Seagrass Rye is an experience not to be missed.
About 80 bucks at the VA ABC and DC liquor stores
And about 90 dollars at the MD Total Wine
What did you think of it?
