Barrell Craft Spirits Unveils ‘Hazmat’ Whiskey Finished In Curaçao Casks

What happens when 18-year-old American whiskey meets Curaçao barrels? Only 200 bottles of this 143.1 proof experiment exist—and they drop today at 10am ET.
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Barrell Craft Spirits Unveils 'Hazmat' Whiskey Finished In Curaçao Casks
Credit: Barrell Craft Spirits

Barrell Craft Spirits has unveiled an 18-year-old American whiskey blend finished in orange Curaçao barrels, available exclusively online today at 10 a.m. Eastern time. The extremely limited release consists of just 200 bottles of the high-proof whiskey, bottled at 143.1 proof. The whiskey retails for $199.

The whiskey was distilled in Indiana and underwent an extensive maturation process spanning nearly two decades.

It initially aged for 10 years in used bourbon cooperage before spending an additional eight years in used Curaçao cooperage.

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The final product was crafted and bottled in Kentucky.

According to the brand’s official tasting notes, the whiskey delivers “a bold, full-bodied experience with layered notes of bright, juicy fruits, complemented by a lively balance of pepper and spice, all wrapped in an opulent mouthfeel.”

The Curaçao barrel finish represents a distinctive approach in American whiskey production, where orange liqueur casks impart unique citrus characteristics to the spirit.

This release follows the growing trend of American whiskey producers experimenting with alternative cask finishes beyond traditional wine and sherry barrels.

The high proof point of 143.1 places this release firmly in the “hazmat” category, a term used for whiskeys exceeding 140 proof that require special shipping considerations due to their high alcohol content.

Limited releases of this nature have become increasingly popular among whiskey collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique flavor profiles and rare bottlings.

The combination of the extended aging period, unusual barrel finish, and extremely limited bottle count positions this as a premium offering in the American whiskey market.

Interested buyers can purchase the whiskey exclusively through the brand’s online platform. With a small production run of 200 bottles, it is expected to sell out quickly.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash with over half a decade of industry experience. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the global whisky landscape, spanning everything from heritage and production to complex market analysis. A graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme, which champions women in whisky, Beth is a dedicated advocate for diversity and sustainability, focused on highlighting the innovation and storytelling that define the modern whisky industry.

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