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Bardstown Bourbon Company Launches New Collection Beginning With French Oak Finish

Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral Oak features a blend of 100% Kentucky bourbons aged 9 to 18 years, finished for 14 months in barrels made from 300-year-old French Oak.
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Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of American whiskey with its new Distillery Reserve Collection, starting with the Cathedral French Oak Finish release on February 28.

The collection represents small-scale innovation from the Kentucky distiller, showcasing experiments previously hidden away in their warehouses. Each limited release, ranging from just two to nine barrels, will be available exclusively at the company’s Bardstown and Louisville gift shops.

“The core of our brand has always been innovation, transparency and collaboration but these values mean little without respecting and building on the foundation of tradition,” said Dan Callaway, head of new product development for Bardstown Bourbon Co. “Distillery Reserve expresses that reverent, yet pioneering spirit, offering us a platform to showcase immense creativity and house some of the experiments tucked throughout our warehouses.”

Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral French Oak

Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral Oak features a blend of 100% Kentucky bourbons aged 9 to 18 years, finished for 14 months in barrels made from 300-year-old French Oak harvested from the Bercé Forest in the Loire Valley.

This wood carries significant historical importance – the trees were planted during Louis XIV’s reign around 1715 and were harvested to help restore Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral following the devastating 2019 fire.

“These truly singular barrels brought tremendous character to the bourbon. The key was to integrate the commanding barrel flavor with a powerful blend of long-aged bourbons to achieve the balance that lets each part shine,” Callaway explained. “This exquisite whiskey is a most devout showcase of the cultural legacy of France married to the pioneering spirit of American Whiskey.”

Tasting Notes and Availability

According to Bardstown, the Cathedral French Oak Finish presents waves of maple, baked cherry, cinnamon, and cedar, complemented by vanilla cream and rose petal notes. The palate features toasted oak and crème brûlée with an extraordinary, lingering finish.

Bottled at 110.1 proof (55.05% ABV), the whiskey will be available starting February 28, 2025, exclusively at Bardstown’s gift shops. Each bottle is packaged in a 375ml format with a price tag of $99.99.

The Whiskey Wash Team

The Whiskey Wash Team brings together certified spirits specialists, industry experts, and passionate whiskey writers delivering authoritative coverage of the global whiskey landscape. With deep expertise in bourbon, Scotch, Japanese whisky, and emerging world expressions, the team combines technical knowledge with engaging storytelling. Through news, reviews, and in-depth features, we help both newcomers and connoisseurs navigate the complex world of whiskey, sharing the heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship that makes each bottle unique. Our mission is to inform, educate, and build community through trustworthy, accessible content that serves whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

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