A new whiskey is hitting the shelves, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Barrell Craft Spirits, a Louisville-based outfit known for its bold and creative blends, has just rolled out Barrell Decade, a high-octane Canadian whiskey that clocks in at a staggering 142.7 proof. This isn’t your everyday dram—it’s a hazmat-level spirit that demands respect but still manages to deliver a smooth, flavorful sip that’s turning heads among whiskey enthusiasts.
A Blend Spanning a Decade
Barrell Decade is a unique blend of Canadian whiskies distilled each year from 1995 to 2005, making it a mix of spirits aged between 20 and 30 years. The team at Barrell Craft Spirits didn’t just throw these together—they carefully selected barrels from each year for their distinct flavor profiles, creating a spectrum of tastes that evolve across the decade. The result is a whiskey with depth and character, showcasing the subtle differences that time and craftsmanship can bring to the table.
Image credit: Barrell Craft Spirits
While the exact distilleries behind the blend remain under wraps, there’s a strong chance that at least some of the liquid hails from Alberta Distillers Limited in Calgary, a well-known producer of Canadian whisky, including Alberta Premium and components for brands like WhistlePig. This isn’t a random guess—Barrell’s founder, Joe Beatrice, has hinted at sourcing rye and other whisky types from multiple Canadian distilleries, with Alberta being a likely candidate given its reputation for robust, high-proof spirits.
Hazmat-Level Power with Surprising Finesse
At 142.7 proof (71.35% ABV), Barrell Decade is classified as “hazmat” whiskey—too potent to be carried on an airplane due to federal regulations. For context, anything above 140 proof earns this label, and it’s not a category for the uninitiated. Beatrice himself noted that Barrell has dabbled in hazmat whiskeys before, but only when they can craft a blend that’s driven by flavor rather than just raw strength. “We’ve seen some folks chase these high-proof releases,” he said, “but we only put out a hazmat if it’s truly high-quality and worth sipping.”
What makes Decade stand out is that, despite its intense proof, it’s not just a fire-breathing monster. The whiskey is bottled at cask strength, straight from the barrel, with no dilution, yet it’s surprisingly approachable. Sure, you might want to add a splash of water or a big ice cube to tame the heat, but even neat, it’s got a refined quality that makes it more than just a stunt. The palate bursts with classic Canadian whiskey notes—think maple, caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar—but it doesn’t stop there. Layers of oak, black and white pepper, chocolate-covered espresso beans, hot honey, and raisin add complexity, making each sip a journey.
A Finishing Touch in Kentucky
Barrell Craft Spirits is known for its creative approach to maturation, and Decade is no exception. After the whiskies were distilled in Canada, they were brought to Kentucky for a secondary maturation process that sets this blend apart. The component whiskies were finished separately in Hungarian oak barrels and casks that previously held Spanish brandy. These finishing casks add a rich, layered dimension to the whiskey. The Spanish brandy casks bring lush, syrupy fruit notes, while the Hungarian oak contributes deep, warming flavors of toffee and cinnamon. This thoughtful blending and finishing process transforms what could have been a one-note high-proof whiskey into something nuanced and memorable.
Why Call It Decade?
The name “Decade” isn’t just a catchy label—it reflects the meticulous process behind the blend. Barrell’s team started with barrels from 1995, chosen for a specific flavor profile, then worked their way through the next nine years, selecting barrels from each to capture a range of nuances. The result is a whiskey that feels like a snapshot of a decade, with each year’s contribution adding to the overall story. This isn’t a haphazard mix but a carefully orchestrated blend that showcases the art of whiskey-making at its finest.
Part of the Black Label Series
Barrell Decade is the latest addition to Barrell Craft Spirits’ Black Label Series, a lineup introduced in 2024 to highlight limited, high-end releases. This series is all about pushing boundaries with unique blends and innovative techniques, harking back to Barrell’s roots as a trailblazer in independent whiskey blending. Other offerings in the Black Label Series include a 20-year-old Toasted Single Barrel, a Toasted Vantage, a Full Proof Bourbon, and a 33-year-old whiskey finished in French oak and Oloroso sherry casks. Decade fits right in, offering a bold yet refined option for those who crave something exclusive.
Where to Find It
Barrell Decade hit the market in July 2025 with a suggested retail price of $199 for a 750ml bottle. It’s available directly through Barrell Craft Spirits’ website (barrellbourbon.com) and at select retailers across the United States. Given its limited nature and high demand for Barrell’s releases, it’s likely to sell out quickly, so whiskey hunters will want to act fast. For those looking to explore more of Barrell’s portfolio, other expressions are available at retailers like ReserveBar.
A Whiskey Worth Sipping
Barrell Craft Spirits has built a reputation for crafting whiskeys that surprise and delight, and Decade is no exception. It’s a testament to their skill that a whiskey this potent can still be so enjoyable, with a flavor profile that balances bold intensity with sophisticated nuance. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker who loves the thrill of a high-proof pour or someone looking to explore the depth of Canadian whiskey, Decade offers something special. Just be sure to sip it slowly—and maybe keep a glass of water nearby.
About Barrell Craft Spirits
Founded in 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky, Barrell Craft Spirits is an independent blender that’s been shaking up the whiskey world for over a decade. Their focus is on creating unique, cask-strength whiskeys and rums by blending high-quality casks from various distilleries and aging environments. With a knack for creative finishes and a fearless approach to blending, Barrell’s small-batch and single-barrel releases have earned accolades from whiskey lovers and critics alike. Their products are available in 49 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the UK, South Korea, Ukraine, and Australia, and they continue to push the boundaries of what whiskey can be.
For more information or to track down a bottle, check out barrellbourbon.com or follow Barrell Craft Spirits on social media for updates on their latest releases.
