For months, my husband kept suggesting we try New England Barrel Company because it’s local. I agreed every time, yet somehow, we never picked up a bottle — until now. Curious if his pick was worth it? Keep reading. First, a bit about the brand.

New England Barrel Company was founded in 2020 by independent whiskey bottler James Saunders, who sources barrels from distilleries across the U.S. The bottle we purchased is distilled in Kentucky and is a Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged a minimum of 3 years.

---

Nose: vanilla, butterscotch and oak

Palate: Cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, and oak

Finish: lightly sweet and ending notes of baking spices

Cost: $36

ABV: 50%

---

Cinnamon‑forward whiskeys rarely miss for me, and this bottle was no different. The cinnamon comes through clearly without crossing into “too much,” leaving room for rich baking spices, caramel, and vanilla to play their part. Oak brings the whole profile together in a beautifully cohesive way. I truly loved this pour and found myself surprised by just how good it was. In hindsight, I probably should’ve trusted my husband’s recommendation a lot earlier.

The affordability is another big win here. So, if you’ve been overlooking this brand, as I had, I truly encourage you to try it. This whiskey is well‑made, easy to drink, and has that timeless bourbon character. It’s delicious on its own and great for cocktails—because at this price, why not?

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.