It is a beautiful day here in Indianapolis, and Talking Bourbon is doing what we do best, drinking Bourbon. What are we drinking? Bardstown Bourbon from the Bardstown Bourbon Company. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is part of their Origin Series, which also has a Bottled in Bond and a rye. The term Origin comes from the fact that while Bardstown Bourbon Company has been making Bourbon for a while, these are the first ones made completely from their own distillery.
We have seen Bardstown Bourbon at multiple places, so it seems to be readily available. It sells for around $50, is 96 proof, aged for 6 years, and has a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. The tall, corked bottle is really cool looking, with some nice etching going on.
While we have both seen this Bourbon, neither of us has tried it, and we have wanted to for a while because a lot of good Bourbon is made in Bardstown, KY. Hopefully, we can add this to the list.
NOSE
Todd: A little hot, and while no dominant scent, I still get quite a bit. Wood, oak, corn, rye, leather, grain, and tobacco. Also, get a hint of sherry, citrus, and bitterness. Ice brings out a bit of caramel.
Matt: I smell the sweet caramel upfront without the ice along with vanilla. Behind that is fruit, wood, corn, leather, and rye. Ice brings out more fruitiness.
TASTE
Todd: While I still pick up the spicey rye, tasting a nice sweetness as well with brown sugar and vanilla. Lessor flavors include oak, leather, and grain. Too hot neat for me to enjoy. Ice brings out some fruit and semi-sweet chocolate.
Matt: A little hot neat but with great flavors of vanilla, pepper, and rye. Secondary flavors include toffee, grain, and wood. Ice calms down the spice and makes it sweeter.
FINISH
Todd: Medium-long with more spice and some bitterness.
Matt: I agree, medium-long and slightly bitter, but not a bad bitter.
OVERALL
Todd: Good Bourbon for the price.
Matt: Tasty and worth $50.
Nose 3.25 out of 5
Taste 7.75 out of 10
Finish 3 out 5
Final score 14 out of 20 barrels.
For some reason, the final score does not really do this Bourbon justice. This happens from time to time, and we are not sure why. Bardstown Bourbon has a nice flavor and manages to taste spicey, sweet, and bitter, which is hard to do. It was a little hot neat, but that would translate to a good cocktail. And while we know it doesn’t add or distract from the taste, the bottle, as mentioned above, is pretty cool and a conversation starter.
Despite our score, it looks like we can add another Bourbon to the list of good ones coming out of Bardstown, KY. If the price is in your range, we recommend grabbing a bottle of Bardstown Bourbon.