Latest Bardstown Bourbon Co. Whiskey Finished In Armagnac Barrels

The French brandy type known as Armagnac has long existed in the shadow of its more well known cousin, Cognac, but for those who get a chance to try this more rustic spirit they usually come to find themselves in love with it. Armagnac barrels, given the smaller volume of production, are generally harder to come by for those who want to finish whiskey in them, though this is something you see on occasion happening as was the case a few years back with WhistlePig. Now Bardstown Bourbon Company is getting in on the game as well.

The new Bardstown Bourbon Company Château de Laubade bourbon, according to those behind it, is a sourced, 12 year old Indiana bourbon (MGP) that the Kentucky distillery finished in Armagnac barrels for 18 months. These barrels came from Château de Laubade, an armagnac distillery first built in 1870 that’s located “in the heart of the prestigious Bas Armagnac district.” It is known for having seven aging cellars and a single vineyard of 260 sustainably farmed acres.

“This unique, limited collaboration has a striking burst of white flowers and bright citrus that blend beautifully with classic aged bourbon,” said Bardstown Bourbon Company Vice President of Hospitality and Education, Dan Callaway, in a prepared statement.  “On the palate, rich apricot with honey, espresso and cinnamon spice combine to create a layered and appealing flavor. A sublime, balanced finish quickly becomes the star of this transatlantic partnership.”

“For Château de Laubade, collaborating with Bardstown Bourbon Company was very exciting, as bourbon is in many ways similar to Armagnac: a long heritage, true craftmanship, a deep notion of ‘terroir’ and great human adventures,” added Château de Laubade Directeur Général chez Famille Lesgourgues, Denis Lesgourgues. “The science of wood is a prime element for aging the greatest Armagnacs, and Laubade pays meticulous attention in selecting the local Gascony ‘black’ oak trees for its barrels.

“By using high quality barrels that have contained the finest Armagnacs, we knew that it would result in a fantastic bourbon expression. Through this collaboration with expert professionals in Kentucky, we are adding a new dimension to our quest for innovation.”

As it stands now plans call for this bourbon, bottled at 118.4 proof (59.2% ABV), to be made available at the beginning of May for around $125 per 750 ml bottle. It should be noted as well it is the latest addition to the Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Collaborative Series, a line of bourbons that have been finished in brandy, beer, mistelle and French oak wine barrels.