Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Since its inception in 2014, Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Co. has been making a name for itself in a range of ways as it executes its vision on its 100 acres of active farmland in Bardstown. A one-of-a-kind collaborative distilling program that produces custom rye, whiskey and bourbon for well known brands including Jefferson’s, Blue Run, Belle Meade and others has helped keep the lights on. At the same time, they’ve been offering their own in-house labels, including the Discovery Series and Collaborative Series, among others.
Of these, the Discovery Series focuses in particular on the art of blending. The one I’m reviewing here this time around, Discovery Series #11, continues the trend of Bardstown Bourbon Co. showcasing its ability to blend whiskeys sourced both domestically and globally. This has included, for example, products from Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, and even Ontario, Canada.
What makes things slightly different this go around with Discovery Series #11 is the fact it includes, for the first time in this series, a bourbon that was estate-distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Co. Also of note is the fact this is the first Discovery bottling since #4 to include all Kentucky bourbons.
Specifics of this blend are as follows:
- 73% – sourced Kentucky bourbon – aged 13 years – mashbill: Corn 75% / Rye 13% / Malted Barley 12%
- 21% – sourced Kentucky bourbon – aged 10 years – mashbill: Corn 78% / Rye 13% / Malted Barley 9%
- 6% – Bardstown Bourbon Co. distilled Kentucky bourbon – aged 6 years – mashbill: Corn 68% / Wheat 20% / Malted Barley 12%
“We used our bottled-in-bond recipe from the new Origin Series of our estate-distilled bourbon, however we wanted to explore a different take so the whiskey aged its entire life in French oak barrels as opposed to the traditional American oak,” noted Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development for Bardstown Bourbon Co., at the time of its release. “On their own, these stood as three tremendous bourbons, but some real magic occurred when they came together.”
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #11 is bottled at 118.1 proof, prices at $139.99 and saw roughly 3,000 9L cases made available through the Bardstown Bourbon Co. gift shop, at retailers in 24 states and online.
Tasting Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #11
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Vital Stats: blend of 94% sourced Kentucky bourbon (both high rye) and 6% Bardstown Bourbon Co. distilled Kentucky bourbon (high wheat); bottled at 118.1 proof; $139.99; roughly 3,000 9L cases released.
Appearance: very proto-typical mid to slightly older, well aged Kentucky bourbon colors going on here – brown, orange, clean. Legs in glass have nice viscosity.
Nose: orange blossom, graham cracker, brown sugar, some vanilla. Reflection of a range of notes you’d find in a well put together Kentucky bourbon blend.
Palate: drinks a bit hot, kicking in some cinnamon, oak, vanilla, cloves, black pepper and cherry very slightly. Finish hangs for a bit, trailing off little by little as it leaves a spicy warmth behind.
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