What is Single Barrel Whiskey?

Single barrel whiskey refers to a whiskey that is bottled from an individual aging barrel, rather than being blended from multiple barrels. This means each bottle offers a unique flavor profile influenced by that specific barrel—such as its char level, storage location in the rickhouse, and aging conditions.

Let’s go deeper…

At first glance, this might sound like the standard process—but it’s actually the exception in mass whiskey production. Large distilleries rely on consistency. To maintain uniform flavor across thousands of bottles, they blend whiskey from many barrels, evening out any variations caused by aging conditions like temperature, humidity, evaporation, and rickhouse placement.

By contrast, single barrel whiskey embraces those variations. Every barrel matures differently—subtle shifts in location, char, and barrel grain can drastically affect taste. Two barrels filled on the same day with the same mash bill and yeast strain can yield dramatically different flavor profiles.

This makes single barrel whiskey both rare and exciting. It represents a moment in time—a single expression that can’t be repeated. That’s why private barrel selections have become prized among collectors, whiskey bars, and spirits clubs. A chosen barrel becomes a signature release, exclusive to the buyers who selected it.

Single barrel whiskey isn't just about flavor; it’s about story and discovery. Each bottle is a gamble—and a potential gem.

At Barrel Shoppe, we curate a rotating selection of hand-picked single barrel whiskeys, showcasing rare and exclusive flavor expressions.

Why It Matters: Single Barrel vs Other Types

Why It Matters: Single Barrel vs Other Types

Unlike small batch or blended whiskeys, which are blended to maintain flavor consistency, single barrel whiskeys highlight the natural variation between barrels. It’s the closest you'll get to a whiskey's pure character.

Type Barrel Source Flavor Consistency Batch Size
Single Barrel One specific barrel Unique to barrel Very limited
Small Batch Few selected barrels Moderately uniform Limited
Blended Whiskey Many barrels blended Highly consistent Mass produced

Small batch Bourbon offers more individuality than large-scale blends while still smoothing out some of the volatility found in single barrel releases. It's an excellent choice for those seeking nuanced flavor, like a hint of brown sugar, toasted spice, or butterscotch, without the rarity or variability of a single cask.

Latest Single Barrel Whiskey Picks

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How Single Barrel Whiskey is Made

How Single Barrel Whiskey is Made

  1. Mashing: A mash bill (grain recipe) is created, often including corn, rye, barley, and wheat.
  2. Fermentation: Yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol.
  3. Distillation: Distilled in column or pot stills to concentrate the alcohol.
  4. Aging: The spirit is aged in a new charred oak barrel. For single barrels, no blending occurs.
  5. Selection: Experts taste and hand-select barrels that meet strict quality and flavor standards.
  6. Bottling: The contents of that single barrel are bottled individually, often with barrel number and proof listed.
Is single barrel bourbon the same as single barrel whiskey?

Is single barrel bourbon the same as single barrel whiskey?

In short, yes—but with a twist. All single barrel bourbons are single barrel whiskeys, but not all single barrel whiskeys are bourbons. To be labeled bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the U.S., use at least 51% corn, and be aged in new, charred oak barrels—among other requirements. So while bourbon is a type of single barrel whiskey, other styles like rye or Tennessee whiskey can be bottled the same way.

Single Barrel Whiskey Flavor Profiles & Tasting Notes

Flavor Profiles & Tasting Notes

Due to their individual aging, no two single barrel whiskeys are exactly alike. Look for:

  • Oak & Spice from charred barrels
  • Vanilla & Caramel from wood sugars
  • Fruit & Floral Notes from barrel location and mash bill

Heat & Strength in barrel-proof expressions

How to Drink Single Barrel Whiskey

How to Drink It

  • Neat: Best for appreciating complexity
  • With a splash of water: Opens aromatics and reduces burn
  • In a Glencairn glass: Ideal for tasting and nosing

Pro tip: Always try it neat first to understand the full impact of that individual barrel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is single barrel whiskey always stronger?

Not always—but many are bottled at higher proofs or cask strength for maximum flavor.

Why is it more expensive?

Single barrel selections are limited, hand-selected, and often aged longer—raising their value.

What makes Barrel Shoppe’s single barrels special?

We partner directly with distilleries to offer exclusive barrels you can’t find anywhere else.

Discover Exclusive Single Barrels