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.
Implementing transparency in the spirits industry is a centuries long overture. Most governments have at some point gone through efforts to assure quality of product for consumers, the bourbon industry being no exception. In 1897, the Bottle in Bond Act was passed to “protect the integrity and authenticity of aged spirits in America,” as many bootleggers and moonshiners were coloring, flavoring, and altering (sometimes lethally) their spirits to give them the appearance of aged whiskey.
The Bottled-in-Bond Act created requirements that a spirit would have to fulfill to be advertised as such: 1) the spirit must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery, 2) the spirit must matured in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of 4 years, and 3) that the spirit must be at 50% ABV.
Bardstown Bourbon Company continues in these historical footsteps with a commitment to “bringing transparency to an industry often cloaked in secrecy and lore.” Founded in the quaint city of Bardstown, Kentucky, the once-small distillery is surrounded by prominent brands such as Makers Mark, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, and Barton 1792. Originally a “small” operation of 600,000 gallons a year, Bardstown Bourbon Co. now bottles more than 7 million gallons per year and uses state-of-the-art sensors and methods to monitor their distillation process.
So, if Bardstown Bourbon Co. is so large, why have many never heard of the company? Why don’t you see their products lining the shelves? Well, in all likelihood, you actually have drunk some Bardstown Bourbon Co. distillate. They predominantly began, and still do, produce whiskeys for other prominent brands, including Jefferson’s, Blue Run, and Belle Meade. The brand boasts of the ability to produce over 50 different mash bills, giving them a depth of products to provide to other distilleries.
This is by no means an unusual practice. Other companies, such as MGP in Indiana, produce the distillate for dozens of well-known brands. Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s specific branded whiskey, however, is only sold in 24 states, even after nearly a decade since their founding. Those lucky enough to be able to buy a bottle of their Fusion, Discovery, or Collaborative series will likely be familiar with their quality and uniqueness.
Using distillate, aged or unaged, from other producers is a standard practice for new distilleries as they have none of their own aged product to put out on the market. As the business grows, the exciting moment arrives when a distillery is large and developed enough to start releasing their own home-grown aged distillate. Bardstown Bourbon Co. recently reached this milestone and is rolling out three products in the new Origin Series, which have all been “distilled, aged, and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Co.”
These new products include a Bottle-in-Bond, six-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Those who like Maker’s Mark, Weller, or Larceny will be happy to hear this entry is a wheated bourbon, with 20% wheat in the mash bill. The second is a standard Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, with a high rye contribution of 36% in the mash bill (this is the one I’m reviewing this time around). The final entry is a Kentucky straight rye whiskey finished in toasted cherry wood and oak barrels.
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While each expression may not catch the eye (or maybe tongue?) with something adventurous or different, each whiskey in the Origin Series is a smooth, robust, and solid representation of its class. Bardstown Bourbon Co. does a nice job of capturing the essence of each, and gives a purist a lot to chew on and enjoy. Any of the Origin Series whiskeys are solid contenders to have on your shelf.
Tasting Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Origin Series Bourbon
Vital Stats: Aged six years. 96 Proof (48% ABV). high rye contribution of 36% in the mash bill. $44.99.
Appearance: Pale orange, just a hint lighter than it’s BIB cousin.
Nose: Tangerine and vanilla with eggnog dominate, with notes of pine rolling around the edges.
Palate: Smooth and round with coconut and toasted walnut filling the center, with a dusting of anise. Lighter wood notes of pine or cedar appear rather than oak. The finish has a strong vanilla flavor with surprising notes of sherry and grapes.
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