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Bourbon Review: Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaboration (American Brandy Edition)

We review a whiskey from Bardstown Bourbon Company that's finished in American brandy barrels from Copper & Kings.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

113 proof. MGP-produced 10 year bourbon consisting of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Aged an additional 18 months in Copper & Kings American brandy barrels.
Appearance:
This bourbon pours a deep, dark amber, with density variations running from a dark brown to a bright, glowing cedar wood color. Walls of thick, seemingly unmoving viscosity stick heartily to the glass’ interior. The liquid wobbles and bounces with heft as the glass is agitated. All in all, the appearance of this whiskey is intimidating in its strength.
Nose:
Immediate first impressions bring forth punches of new leather, grape skins, and sandalwood. There is a passing waft of peach, or other sweet fruit, that teases a more desserty experience ahead. Despite the pleasant aromas in earlier inhales, a boozy blast with a distinct hit of super glue takes over after initial palate acclamation. There is a musty wood smell that creeps in, and helps to soften the more intense alcohol character, but is not overall pleasant.
Palate:
There is a musty wood smell that creeps in, and helps to soften the more intense alcohol character, but is not overall pleasant. Palate: This is certainly one product that tastes ‘as advertised.’ The first sip contains the pillowy, fruity sweetness of brandy that carries with it flavors of sweet cherry, almond, and an almost grappa-like bite of distilled fruit tannins. The bourbon struggles to express itself, and does so mostly through mouthfeel and a deep caramel that enrobes the light, bright, thin & boozy nature of the experimental barrel treatment. At 113 proof, this is a lip stinger, and slow sipper. The lingering flavors are ones that are unexpected for bourbon, like candied ginger, rose petals, and lemongrass.
Finish:
Comments:
This drink is all about the brandy barrel finishing. Save some heft, some caramel, a more controlled sweetness level, and some light cocoa notes, this sips like a brandy aged in heavily charred Bourbon barrels, not the other way around. It holds interest as an oddity and a mind bender, but I don’t feel that this would be a go-to evening sipper or crave-worthy beverage for the more traditional whiskey drinker.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jim Bonomo

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