Louisville-based independent blender Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) has launched a 12-year-old bourbon called French Toast(ed), finished in French oak casks, as part of its age-stated Red Label Series. The blend combines straight bourbon whiskeys from distilleries in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wyoming, with the component whiskeys ranging from 12 to 17 years old.
BCS finished the liquid in several types of French oak cask with different toast levels. The blenders focused on Grand Chauffe barrels “for deeper, more complex flavor.”
The bottling strength is 107.24 proof (53.62% ABV).
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READ THE STORYAccording to the official notes from the brand, the whiskey shows toasted brioche, vanilla custard, roasted nuts, cinnamon, clove, and crème brûlée. BCS said these French toast-inspired flavors “naturally emerged from the blend” and gave the release its name.
“This is our second release of a 12-year bourbon finished in French Oak,” said BCS founder Joe Beatrice. “While this bourbon whiskey shares the same foundation as our first release, we take a vintage-like approach with each batch, allowing every expression to develop its own distinct character.”
The earlier bottling arrived in September 2025 at 108.5 proof. It combined bourbons aged 12 to 15 years and finished them in French oak barrels for 3 to 36 months, depending on the component.
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That release reached a cask strength of 113.4 proof, with a suggested retail price of $159.99 per 750ml bottle.
At the time, Beatrice said: “Red Label bourbons offer a twist on our classics, paying homage to our origins and to some of our favorite products.”
French Toast(ed) has the same suggested retail price of $159.99 (£121 / ₹15,480) per 750ml bottle. Consumers can buy it online at barrellbourbon.com and at select retailers.
BCS launched in Louisville in 2013, operating as an independent blender and bottler. It selects and blends whiskeys to explore different distillation methods, barrels, and aging environments.
The company’s portfolio is available in 49 US states, Puerto Rico, the UK, South Korea, Ukraine, and Australia.
