Barrell Craft Spirits, a well-known name in the world of whiskey, has brought back a fan favorite with the second edition of its Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Amburana. This special bourbon, first introduced in the fall of 2023, made waves in the bourbon community with its unique flavor profile and expert blending. Now, in April 2025, the company is giving enthusiasts another chance to enjoy this award-winning spirit. With pre-orders open for just one month and bottles set to ship in mid-May, bourbon lovers are buzzing with excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about this limited release, from its origins to its taste and how to get your hands on a bottle.
Image credit: Barrell Craft Spirits
The first edition of Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Amburana hit the shelves in September 2023 as part of the company’s Cask Finish Series. This series showcases Barrell Craft Spirits’ knack for taking straight bourbon whiskey and adding a twist with creative cask finishes. The Amburana version quickly stood out, earning high praise from critics and bourbon fans alike. Whisky Advocate gave it a stellar 94 points, while Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points and named it one of the Top 100 Spirits of 2024. It even landed a spot on Breaking Bourbon’s list of the Best Finished Whiskeys of 2023, proving its place as a standout in the growing trend of Amburana-finished bourbons.
So, what’s all the hype about? Amburana is a type of tropical hardwood from South America, sometimes called “Brazilian oak.” It’s been used for years to age cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane, but it’s now catching on with whiskey makers. The wood brings bold flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla to the table, which can either make a bourbon unforgettable or overwhelm it if not handled right. Barrell Craft Spirits took on the challenge and nailed it, creating a bourbon that balances these strong spice notes with the classic taste of bourbon.
What’s in the Second Edition?
The second edition of Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Amburana stays true to what made the first one a hit. It’s a blend of bourbons from Indiana and Kentucky, with ages ranging from 5 to 10 years old. The mash bill—the recipe of grains used to make the bourbon—breaks down to 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. This mix gives the bourbon a solid foundation, with the corn adding sweetness, the rye bringing a bit of spice, and the malted barley rounding things out.
What sets this bourbon apart is how it’s finished. The team at Barrell Craft Spirits uses real 53-gallon Amburana barrels, sourced sustainably from South America, to age part of the blend. Unlike some producers who use smaller wood pieces like cubes or staves, Barrell goes all in with full barrels. This choice makes a difference, letting the bourbon soak up those intense Amburana flavors over time. But here’s the smart part: they don’t finish all of the bourbon in these barrels. Instead, they mix in some bourbon from regular oak casks that hasn’t touched Amburana. This step adds depth and keeps the Amburana spices from taking over, letting the bourbon’s natural character shine through.
The blending process took a full year of trial and error to get just right. Barrell’s Chief Whiskey Scientist, Tripp Stimson, and the team tweaked everything from aging time to temperature to find the perfect balance. The result is a bourbon that’s rich and complex but still feels like bourbon—not just a spice bomb.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
If you’re wondering what this bourbon tastes like, get ready for a treat. The Amburana casks bring a big burst of baking spices, with cinnamon leading the charge. It’s like walking into a kitchen where someone’s baking gingerbread or cinnamon rolls—warm, cozy, and inviting. Underneath that spice, you’ll find hints of chocolate, toasted walnuts, and fresh sourdough bread. It’s a mix that feels both familiar and exciting.
On the palate, the cinnamon keeps going strong, joined by a zesty kick of spicy ginger beer. There are also little pops of flavor like marmalade, tarragon, and even a touch of hefeweizen, a type of wheat beer. If you add a splash of water, the profile shifts a bit, bringing out fruity notes like passionfruit and honeycomb, plus a floral hint of goldenrod. It’s a bourbon that keeps you coming back for another sip to see what else you can pick up.
The texture is another highlight. It’s buttery and rich, with a warmth that spreads across your tongue. At 116.42 proof (that’s 58.21% alcohol by volume), it’s got some heat, but it’s smooth enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Whether you drink it neat, with a drop of water, or over ice, it’s a sipper that’s perfect for fall evenings or any time you want something special.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Amburana-finished bourbons have been popping up more and more lately, but Barrell’s version stands out for a reason. Many Amburana whiskeys can lean too hard into the spice, turning them into one-note drinks that lose the essence of bourbon. Barrell Craft Spirits avoids that trap by blending in unfinished bourbon, which keeps things balanced. Reviewers have called it the best Amburana-finished bourbon out there, with Bourbon Junkies even saying it’s “the best Barrell I’ve ever had.” That’s high praise from a company known for its blending skills.
The first edition was a limited run of 14,400 bottles, and it sold out fast. This second edition is also a pre-order exclusive, meaning once April 2025 ends, you won’t be able to buy it directly from Barrell anymore. At $84.99 a bottle, it’s a solid deal for a cask-strength bourbon with this much character and acclaim. Plus, it’s a chance to own a piece of bourbon history as Amburana finishes keep growing in popularity.
How to Get Your Hands on It
Barrell Craft Spirits opened pre-orders for the second edition in April 2025, and they’re only taking orders through the end of the month. You can snag a bottle for $84.99 on their website at barcart.barrellbourbon.com. Once you place your order, your credit card gets charged right away, and the bottle ships out in mid-May. If you add other items to your cart, everything will ship together when the Amburana is ready. It’s a straightforward process, but you’ll need to act fast—once April’s over, this bourbon won’t be available for purchase again from Barrell directly.
Why Bourbon Fans Should Care
For anyone who loves bourbon, the Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Amburana second edition is worth paying attention to. It’s a chance to try a whiskey that’s earned top scores and rave reviews, blending tradition with a modern twist. The Amburana finish adds a layer of flavor you won’t find in standard bourbons, but it’s done with enough care that it still feels like a true bourbon at heart. Whether you’re a collector, a sipper, or just someone who likes trying new things, this release checks all the boxes.
Barrell Craft Spirits has built a reputation as one of the best blenders in the game, and this bourbon shows why. From the carefully selected barrels to the thoughtful blending, every step is about making something unique and delicious. With only a limited number of bottles up for grabs, it’s the kind of release that could become a prized find down the road.
Final Thoughts
The second edition of Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish: Amburana is more than just a bourbon—it’s an experience. It takes the classic taste of Kentucky and Indiana bourbons and gives it a spicy, tropical twist that’s hard to forget. At $84.99, it’s priced right for a cask-strength, limited-edition whiskey that’s already proven its worth with awards and accolades. If you missed out on the first edition or just want to enjoy it again, now’s your chance. Head to the Barrell website before April 2025 ends, lock in your pre-order, and get ready to sip something special when May rolls around. This is one bourbon you won’t want to miss.
