Bardstown Bourbon Co. is making a significant impact in the bourbon industry this September with the release of two highly anticipated products, timed perfectly to coincide with Bourbon Heritage Month. Set to launch on September 6th, these releases include the innovative Silver Oak Finish and the 12th edition of their celebrated Discovery Series. Both of these new offerings exemplify Bardstown's commitment to merging tradition with modern innovation, further solidifying their place as leaders in the bourbon world.
Silver Oak Finish: A Fusion of Wine and Whiskey
The Silver Oak Finish is a standout release, the result of a unique collaboration between Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Silver Oak, an iconic name in the wine industry known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. This partnership marries the expertise of both companies, creating a bourbon that not only pays homage to the rich traditions of American whiskey but also incorporates the deep, complex flavors of well-aged Cabernet wine.
This bourbon is a meticulously crafted blend of six different bourbons, each aged between 9 and 15 years. The blend is then finished for 17 months in barrels that previously held Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a whiskey that offers a richly layered flavor profile, combining the traditional characteristics of bourbon with the nuanced, fruity notes imparted by the wine barrels.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Layers of baked strawberry, plum, and roasted nuts, highlighted by cinnamon and cocoa.
Palate: A full-bodied experience with flavors of caramel and fig, leading to a finely balanced finish of oak, spice, and blackberry.
Specs:
- Proof: 108 proof (54% alc. by vol.)
- Price: Suggested retail price of $159.99
- Blend Composition:
- 25% Kentucky bourbon (14 years old)
- Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
- 23% Tennessee bourbon (12 years old)
- Mashbill: 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley
- 22% Kentucky bourbon (10 years old)
- Mashbill: 78% corn, 13% rye, 9% malted barley
- 15% Indiana bourbon (9 years old)
- Mashbill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
- 10% Kentucky bourbon (10 years old)
- Mashbill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
- 5% Georgia bourbon (12 years old)
- Mashbill: 80% corn, 10% rye, 5% wheat, 5% malted barley
The Silver Oak Finish represents the culmination of more than five decades of tradition in both bourbon and winemaking. Silver Oak is renowned for aging its Cabernet Sauvignon exclusively in American oak barrels, a practice that complements Bardstown's dedication to exploring the vast potential of American oak in whiskey-making. This shared ethos of never settling, always innovating, and striving for excellence is at the heart of this collaboration.
Nate Weis, Vice President of Winegrowing at Silver Oak, spoke to the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that curiosity and a willingness to explore new possibilities are crucial in both winemaking and distillation. This collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Co. not only reflects their shared passion for American oak but also their commitment to creating products that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of their respective crafts.
Discovery Series #12: The Art of Blending
Accompanying the Silver Oak Finish is the 12th release in Bardstown's award-winning Discovery Series. This series has become synonymous with the art of blending, offering bourbon enthusiasts a chance to explore unique and complex flavor profiles crafted from rare and exemplary whiskies. Each release in the Discovery Series is a testament to Bardstown's innovative spirit, showcasing how different bourbons can be harmoniously combined to create something truly exceptional.
The Discovery Series #12 continues this tradition, featuring a blend of four distinct whiskies. Notably, this release includes a 6-year-old four-grain bourbon that was distilled and aged at Bardstown Bourbon Co., highlighting the growing role of their own estate-distilled whiskey in the series. This particular blend is a thoughtful combination that balances age, grain variety, and regional influences, resulting in a bourbon that is both rich and deeply layered.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Aromas of baked cherry, toasted oak, vanilla cream, and hazelnut.
Palate: A balance of wood sugar and spice that gives way to a lasting finish of coconut, red fruit, and caramel.
Specs:
- Proof: 115.2 proof (57.6% alc. by vol.)
- Price: Suggested retail price of $139.99
- Blend Composition:
- 48% Kentucky bourbon (14 years old)
- Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
- 29% Kentucky bourbon (10 years old)
- Mashbill: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley
- 15% Kentucky bourbon (10 years old)
- Mashbill: 78% corn, 13% rye, 9% malted barley
- 8% Bardstown Bourbon Co. Kentucky bourbon (6 years old)
- Mashbill: 60% corn, 26% rye, 10% wheat, 4% malted barley
The Discovery Series is known for its ability to push the boundaries of what bourbon can be, and the 12th release is no exception. The inclusion of Bardstown's own bourbon in the blend marks a significant milestone for the company, reflecting their growing expertise and influence in the industry. With each new release, Bardstown continues to explore the art of blending, offering something new and exciting for bourbon enthusiasts to discover.
A Year of Collaboration and Innovation
These two releases are part of a broader strategy by Bardstown Bourbon Co. to explore new frontiers in whiskey-making through collaboration. Earlier this year, the company announced several other notable partnerships, including a regional release with Blackberry Farm and a groundbreaking collaboration with Amrut Distillery, pioneers in the field of Indian single malts. The Amrut collaboration was particularly noteworthy, as it represented the first time American whiskey had been finished in Indian single malt barrels. This innovative approach was met with critical acclaim, earning 95 points and a prestigious Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Bardstown Bourbon Co.'s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence is evident in all of their releases this year. As Bourbon Heritage Month unfolds, the Silver Oak Finish and Discovery Series #12 stand out as prime examples of how Bardstown is pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be. These releases not only honor the rich traditions of bourbon-making but also introduce new and exciting elements that make each bottle a unique and memorable experience.
With these launches, Bardstown Bourbon Co. continues to establish itself as a leader in the world of American whiskey. Their dedication to blending tradition with innovation ensures that each new release offers something special, whether it's through the exploration of new flavor profiles or the introduction of novel collaborations. As these new bourbons hit the market, they are sure to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike, further solidifying Bardstown's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
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.
