Bardstown Bourbon Company has once again expanded its lineup with the introduction of a new addition to its Origin Series: the High Wheat Bourbon. Known for their innovation in bourbon production, Bardstown continues to build on its reputation with this Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which features a notably high wheat content in its mashbill—one of the highest in the industry at 39%.
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Details and Composition
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon Company
The High Wheat Bourbon is aged for six years and is bottled at 106 proof (53% alcohol by volume). The mashbill consists of 53% corn, 39% wheat, and 8% malted barley, making it a unique offering in the wheated bourbon category. The use of a high percentage of wheat gives this bourbon a softer, sweeter profile, setting it apart from more traditional bourbons that lean heavily on corn or rye.
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
Bardstown Bourbon Co. has crafted this release with meticulous attention to flavor development. According to the distillery, the High Wheat Bourbon offers an aroma that blends ripe apricot and lemon with notes of leather and crème brûlée. On the palate, drinkers can expect a rich combination of oak and pastry flavors, leading to a full-bodied yet lightly spiced finish.
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon Company
One of the factors contributing to this complex flavor profile is the low barrel entry proof of 108. By entering the barrel at a lower proof, more wood sugars are extracted early in the aging process, which enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor. Head Distiller Nick Smith, who has been with Bardstown Bourbon Co. since its founding, collaborated closely with Master Distiller Steve Nally on this release. Nally, a Hall of Fame distiller often referred to as the "Wheat King," praised the final product, signaling that the distillery had achieved something special with this expression.
Pricing and Availability
The High Wheat Bourbon is available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 750mL bottle. This release is part of Bardstown’s effort to make high-quality, innovative bourbons more accessible to a broad audience without compromising on craftsmanship.
Expanding the Origin Series
The High Wheat Bourbon is the second wheated expression in Bardstown’s Origin Series, which debuted in 2023 and has since garnered significant attention. The Origin Series showcases the distillery’s commitment to producing Kentucky Whiskeys with a modern touch. The lineup includes award-winning expressions like the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the wheated Bottled-in-Bond, and a Double-Barreled Rye Whiskey. Notably, Bardstown’s Origin Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was rated the highest in the world, scoring 98 points, further establishing the distillery’s credibility in the industry.
Holiday Tasting Kit and Special Releases
Just in time for the holiday season, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is launching the Origin Series Experience Tasting Kit. This kit allows consumers to sample four of the distillery’s core products in 50mL bottles. The kit, which is attractively packaged for gifting, includes the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, wheated Bottled-in-Bond, Double-Barreled Rye Whiskey, and the new High Wheat Bourbon. The tasting kit is priced at $34.99 and will be available across all markets where Bardstown Bourbon Co. products are sold.
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Growth and Innovation
Since its founding in 2016, Bardstown Bourbon Co. has experienced rapid growth, evolving from a small distillery producing 600,000 proof gallons annually to one of the top 10 American distilleries by volume. Currently, the distillery produces more than 18 million proof gallons per year, becoming a significant player in custom distillation and blending. Despite its growth, Bardstown remains committed to pushing the boundaries of bourbon production, blending old and new techniques to create innovative releases.
The distillery’s forward-thinking approach is also reflected in its collaborations with other renowned spirits brands worldwide. Bardstown Bourbon Co. has built its reputation on transparency and a willingness to experiment, distinguishing itself in an industry often characterized by tradition and secrecy.
Conclusion
With the launch of the High Wheat Bourbon, Bardstown Bourbon Company continues to demonstrate its expertise in crafting high-quality, distinctively flavored bourbons. The combination of a high-wheat mashbill, careful aging, and thoughtful barrel entry proof makes this release a noteworthy addition to the Origin Series. As Bardstown expands its offerings, it remains focused on delivering accessible, premium bourbon experiences to whiskey enthusiasts nationwide.
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.
