Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof - Review
- Anthony Riccardi
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Batch BP-001 Review
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Barrel Proof – 56.3% ABV (112.6 Proof)
Distilled at Green River Distilling Co. – Owensboro, KY
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
Aged 5 & 6 Years | 2,100 Bottles | SRP: $43.99
Nose:
Wheel Horse doesn’t ease you in—it charges in with bold aromatics. Right from the pour, you’re met with rich and indulgent cherry cordials, blending boozy dark fruit with chocolate sweetness. A layer of baking spices—think cinnamon stick, clove, and nutmeg—adds depth and warmth. Rounding it out is a soft but steady vanilla thread, likely pulled from both the barrel and the malted barley. There’s a dessert-like elegance to the nose, with no off-notes despite the youthful age.
Palate:
This is where the bourbon earns its “Barrel Master Select” title. The mouthfeel is creamy and full-bodied, almost chewy in texture. Flavors of caramel brittle crash in with buttery sweetness and a touch of salt. Then, it shifts to something nostalgic—cherry cola with a spiced fizz that lingers mid-palate. As it settles, a wave of vanilla frosting glides in, rich and confectionary without becoming overly sweet. The rye spice from the mash bill gives structure without overwhelming the sweeter elements.
Finish:
The finish is long, warm, and unapologetically bold. The proof makes itself known with a peppery kick that tingles on the tongue but never feels hot or harsh. It’s viscous and oily, coating the mouth in layers of spice, oak, and residual vanilla-caramel richness. That cherry cola note even peeks back in for a final encore. The linger is exceptional for the age and price point, with enough complexity to keep you coming back.
Verdict:
Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Batch BP-001 is a seriously impressive barrel-proof bourbon at an incredibly accessible price. Distilled at Green River, it brings craftsmanship, maturity beyond its years, and a flavor profile that punches way above the $43.99 mark. If you’re looking for a bold, fruit-forward, spice-laced sipper that delivers both power and finesse, this bottle belongs on your shelf.