Bardstown Bourbon Company is wrapping up 2024 with an exciting new release as part of its Collaborative Series, a standout initiative that has become known for blending tradition with innovation. This time, Bardstown has teamed up with the renowned Blackberry Farm Brewery to produce a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. What makes this release so special is the finishing process: the bourbon is aged in barrels that once held Blackberry Farm Brewery’s signature Oxheart Stout, resulting in a whiskey with rich, complex flavors that will surely excite both bourbon and craft beer enthusiasts.
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon Company
The Collaboration
This collaboration brings together two brands that share a dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. Bardstown Bourbon Company, based in the heart of Kentucky bourbon country, has made a name for itself by pushing boundaries and collaborating with other artisans to create unique whiskeys. Similarly, Blackberry Farm Brewery, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, is internationally acclaimed for its old-world brewing techniques and use of ingredients that reflect the changing seasons and culinary traditions of the South.
Dan Callaway, VP of New Product Development at Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Roy Milner, Chief Fermentation Officer at Blackberry Farm Brewery, have a long-standing friendship that led to this partnership. Their shared passion for blending and beverages sparked the idea of working together, and after visiting Blackberry Farm, they decided to focus on one of the brewery’s most beloved creations: Oxheart Imperial Stout. The stout’s rich, malty flavors provided the perfect match for Bardstown’s blend of aged bourbons, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind whiskey.
The Process
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon Company
The whiskey itself is a custom blend of bourbons aged between 6 and 14 years. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s transparency in blending is on full display, as they’ve shared the exact breakdown of the blend:
- 45% Bardstown Bourbon Company 6-year-old bourbon, with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.
- 25% Kentucky 8-year-old bourbon, with a mash bill of 53% corn, 26% rye, and 21% malted barley.
- 21% Kentucky 14-year-old bourbon, with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.
- 9% Kentucky 14-year-old bourbon, with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
This blend was then finished in the Oxheart stout barrels for 17 months. The stout barrels, with their deep, roasted malt flavors, added layers of complexity to the bourbon, creating a final product that is both bold and nuanced.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon Company
The Blackberry Farm Brewery collaboration offers an exceptionally rich tasting experience. On the nose, you’ll be greeted by notes of dark chocolate, honey, and toasted oak. These aromas set the stage for a palate that delivers flavors of mocha and cinnamon, with a full-bodied mouthfeel that feels luxurious and indulgent. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind hints of marshmallow, vanilla, and malt.
These flavor notes are a testament to the meticulous finishing process in the stout barrels, where the beer’s malty, roasted character infused the bourbon with layers of complexity. It’s a whiskey that promises to appeal to fans of both bourbon and stout, bringing the best of both worlds into a single bottle.
Availability and Pricing
This bourbon is part of Bardstown’s ongoing Collaborative Series, a collection of limited-edition releases that highlight the brand’s innovative approach to blending and finishing. Only 10 barrels of this bourbon were produced, making it an extremely limited release. It will be available exclusively in Tennessee and Kentucky, including at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s distillery in Bardstown, KY, and at its Louisville Tasting Room.
The collaboration is bottled at 107 proof, or 53.5% alcohol by volume, and has a suggested retail price of $159.99. Given the limited number of bottles and the high demand for Bardstown’s collaborations, this is a release that collectors and whiskey enthusiasts will want to act on quickly.
Awards and Recognition
Even before its official release, the Blackberry Farm Brewery collaboration has already garnered acclaim. It was awarded a Gold Medal at the New York World Spirits Competition, a prestigious honor that speaks to the quality of the whiskey and the skill behind its creation. This recognition adds to Bardstown Bourbon Company’s growing reputation as a leader in the world of innovative whiskey making.
The Future of Bardstown Bourbon Company
The release of this collaboration marks the end of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s 2024 Collaborative Series, which has been a year filled with groundbreaking releases. However, the company has no intention of slowing down. As Dan Callaway hinted, Bardstown is already looking ahead to 2025, with plans to continue pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be. Innovation, transparency, and collaboration remain at the heart of Bardstown’s approach, and fans of the brand can expect more exciting releases in the future.
Final Thoughts
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaboration with Blackberry Farm Brewery is a fitting end to a year of remarkable releases. This limited-edition bourbon, finished in stout barrels, is a testament to what can be achieved when two masters of their craft come together. With its rich flavor profile and small-batch exclusivity, this release is sure to be a coveted bottle for collectors and a memorable sip for those lucky enough to try it. For bourbon and beer lovers alike, this collaboration offers something truly special—a unique blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and tradition.
About Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company is a dynamic and innovative distillery located in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. Founded in 2014 in Bardstown, Kentucky—the “Bourbon Capital of the World”—the distillery has quickly gained a reputation for its modern approach to whiskey-making while honoring the rich traditions of the region. Bardstown Bourbon Company is known for its blend of classic craftsmanship and forward-thinking innovation, offering a unique experience in the world of American whiskey.
One of the key features that sets Bardstown Bourbon Company apart is its focus on transparency and collaboration. The distillery has a custom distillation program, producing whiskey for a wide array of brands in addition to its own labels. Through this program, they partner with both established and emerging brands, offering custom mash bills, aging processes, and even blending services. This collaborative approach has helped Bardstown Bourbon Company become a significant player in the industry, blending tradition with new ideas.
The distillery’s own portfolio includes several well-regarded expressions, with a focus on small-batch, high-quality products. The Bardstown Fusion Series blends sourced aged bourbon with younger bourbon distilled in-house, creating a layered and balanced whiskey that showcases the company’s blending expertise. The Discovery Series, on the other hand, features premium blends of older sourced bourbons, highlighting complex and sophisticated flavor profiles. Additionally, Bardstown Bourbon Company offers limited releases that often experiment with cask finishes, blending techniques, and unique flavor combinations.
Bardstown Bourbon Company is also renowned for its state-of-the-art facility, which combines the elegance of a modern distillery with an open, visitor-friendly atmosphere. The campus includes a large, visually striking distillery, rickhouses for aging whiskey, and an award-winning restaurant and bar. The restaurant, known as “The Kitchen & Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company,” has become a destination in itself, offering farm-to-table cuisine paired with bourbon experiences.
In addition to producing high-quality whiskey, Bardstown Bourbon Company is a leader in bourbon tourism and education. They offer comprehensive tours, tastings, and interactive experiences that allow visitors to learn about the bourbon-making process from start to finish. This focus on transparency and engagement with visitors has helped the company build a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts.
Overall, Bardstown Bourbon Company is a standout in the modern bourbon landscape. With its innovative collaborations, commitment to quality, and inviting visitor experience, the distillery represents a blend of tradition and contemporary vision, making it a key player in the ongoing evolution of Kentucky bourbon.