Apple pie | Baked pie crust | Toasted oak | Butterscotch

Steeped apple | Toasted oak | Plum | Dark caramel

Dark chocolate | Pecan | Charred oak | Medium length

When we last left Broken Barrel, they were introducing their concept of an “Oak Bill,” which lists the staves used to finish each of their releases. It's featured just as prominently on their label as the whiskey’s mashbill, and they aren’t shy about declaring, “barrels influence roughly 80% of the final flavor of a whiskey.” For Americana, their fifth ongoing expression was originally limited to their single barrel program, but was so popular, a new permanent expression inspired by it is now available. Its “Oak Bill” consists of 40% Charred American Oak, 40% Toasted American Oak, and 20% American Apple Brandy Cask.

The whiskey’s nose has unmistakable scents of apple pie and baked pie crust which few will dislike, and goes along with the whiskey’s name quite well. The palate follows with steeped apples and toasted oak which proves to be a winning combination. Even at 100 proof the flavors are quite potent which likely has to do with the staves. Despite some minor graininess and fleeting alcohol hotness, few will find fault with the whiskey’s flavors. Combining charred oak, toasted oak, and apple brandy staves is a winning combination of flavors, making Americana Broken Barrel’s Americana standout product so far.