A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Latest Barrel Adventure
On October 10, our team headed to Short Barrel for what turned out to be one of the most memorable barrel picks we have ever done. The lineup was strong, featuring an 8-year OZ Tyler, a bold Barton juice sample, and a spicy OG Jefferson rye. By the end of the day, one barrel stood tall above the rest — the OZ Tyler 8-Year Bourbon that instantly earned its nickname: The Vanilla Bomb.
This post takes you inside that day, from the first nose to the final decision, and gives you an insider’s look at how we landed on one of the richest, most flavor-packed barrels we’ve ever picked.
The Short Barrel Experience
If you have never done a pick at Short Barrel, you’re missing something special. Their team goes above and beyond to make the process personal, educational, and a whole lot of fun. From the moment we walked into the tasting room, surrounded by barrels and the unmistakable aroma of aged bourbon, we knew we were in for a ride.
We started with three contenders:
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Barton Bourbon – Big oak and caramel with a firm, tannic backbone.
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OG Jefferson Rye – Bright spice, citrus, and herbal energy.
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OZ Tyler 8-Year – A powerhouse of sweet vanilla, rich oak, and creamy texture.
Why We Chose the OZ Tyler 8-Year
At 135.7 proof, this barrel commanded attention but offered balance in all the right ways. The nose jumped out of the glass with sweet vanilla bean, toasted sugar, and light oak char. The palate delivered layer after layer of creamy vanilla custard, caramel drizzle, and warm spice that coated the tongue without overwhelming it.
Every sip brought something new — a touch of honey, a little leather, a hint of toasted coconut — and a long, silky finish that left you smiling. It was pure dessert in a glass.
When we circled back after the first tasting round, every person at the table wrote down the same note: “Vanilla bomb.” That sealed it.
A Decision Worth Celebrating
Choosing the OZ Tyler 8-Year over Barton and Jefferson wasn’t just about proof or brand name. It was about the story in the glass. This barrel had depth, balance, and that rare “wow” factor you only find a few times a year.
The Short Barrel crew helped us evaluate the final proofing options, but there was no question — this one needed to stay at full strength. At 135.7 proof, it delivers intensity without losing elegance.
Once the decision was made, we toasted the pick, laughed about how quickly the choice came together, and took a few photos to capture the moment. There is nothing like that post-pick glow when you know you’ve found something truly special.
Tasting Notes
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Proof: 135.7
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Age: 8 Years
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Distillery: OZ Tyler (now known as Green River Distilling Co.)
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Aroma: Vanilla bean, toasted sugar, oak, caramel cream
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Palate: Sweet vanilla custard, honey, spice, and subtle toasted coconut
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Finish: Long, warm, and dessert-like — pure vanilla frosting on oak
Why Whiskey Enthusiasts Will Love This Pick
If you’re into high-proof, full-flavor bourbon, this pick is going to hit your sweet spot. It’s bold yet refined, complex yet easy to love. The vanilla character gives it a dessert-forward profile, but the oak and proof keep it grounded and sophisticated.
This barrel is a great reminder that OZ Tyler is producing some seriously impressive whiskey, especially with age on it. While Barton and Jefferson are respected names, the Tyler barrel simply had more character, more personality, and more fun.
The Release
Bottling is happening soon, once it gets to the store, it will be purchased by our Patreon members. This is a small-batch, one-of-a-kind release that represents a perfect storm of craftsmanship, timing, and teamwork.
Stay tuned for more details on picks, release events, and where to grab a pour.
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