Barrell Craft Spirits has announced its Australian launch. It’s the brand’s first direct export market.
Australians will initially have access to the following Barrell Craft Spirits selections: Bourbon Batches 013, 020, 023, 024, BCS Bourbon, BCS Rum, Rye Batch 003, Dovetail American Whiskey and the Infinite Barrel Project.
Barrell Craft Spirits was founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 2013 by Joe Beatrice, who drew inspiration from Scottish bottlers. The brand selects and blends a variety of spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, rye and rum, and bottles them at cask strength, with ingredients sourced from all over the world.
“We entertained the idea of expanding distribution outside of the US for years, but needed to ensure we could supply and support of current partners,” says Beatrice. “Now, we’re in a solid position to move forward and have been highly encouraged by Australians’ passion for American Whiskey.”
Distribution will be managed by Orrsum Spirits, an importer, marketer, retailer and distributor of premium spirits, with a focus on bourbon, whiskey and rye.
“I’ve been a big fan of Barrell Craft Spirits for some time now,” says Orrsum Spirits Director John M. Weifert. “The care and commitment to quality Joe Beatrice and his team put into each unique release is inspiring. We’re honoured to bring these incredible award-winning spirits to the Australian whiskey community.”
Beatrice works alongside Chief Whiskey Scientist and Director of Distillery Operations Tripp Stimson, who joined BCS in 2017 after nine years with Brown Forman Corporation (Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve and Old Forrester).
Barrell Craft Spirits received top honours at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, with the Dovetail American Whiskey awarded the “Chairman’s Trophy” and top score (97/100) in the American whisk(e)y category. The Barrell Bourbon Batch 021 Won Double Gold and was named Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon (both overall and within the 6-10 year category) at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.