Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) has made waves in the whiskey world once again with its latest creation: the Distillery Reserve series. Launching on February 28, 2025, this new collection is a bold step forward for the Kentucky-based distiller, showcasing its ethos of innovation while honoring tradition. The inaugural release, Cathedral French Oak, is a remarkable blend that combines history, craftsmanship, and groundbreaking flavor exploration. Available exclusively at the distillery's gift shops in Bardstown and Louisville, this whiskey offers enthusiasts a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon
A Legacy Rooted in Heritage
Cathedral French Oak is no ordinary whiskey. It’s finished in barrels crafted from 300-year-old French oak trees harvested from the Bercé Forest in the Loire Valley. These ancient trees were originally selected to restore the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after the devastating 2019 fire. Planted during the reign of Louis XIV, the trees boast an intricate grain and unparalleled density, qualities that make them perfect for both architectural restoration and whiskey aging.
This rare partnership reflects Bardstown Bourbon's commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting tradition. The distillery’s team secured the timber and turned it into barrels at the renowned Tonnellerie Baron cooperage. The barrels were certified by France's Office National des Forêts, ensuring that new saplings were planted to replace the harvested trees, maintaining the ecological balance.
The Blend: A Symphony of Aged Bourbons
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon
Creating Cathedral French Oak required meticulous blending. The whiskey is a combination of five distinct Kentucky bourbons, ranging in age from 9 to 18 years, with mash bills high in corn. The precise breakdown includes:
- 45% 14-year bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley)
- 37.5% 18-year bourbon (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley)
- 10% 11-year bourbon (78% corn, 13% rye, 9% malted barley)
- 5% 9-year bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley)
- 2.5% 17-year bourbon (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley)
After blending, the whiskey spent 14 months finishing in the French oak barrels. This process infused the liquid with a rich complexity, creating a harmonious balance between the bold bourbon flavors and the subtle nuances of the ancient wood.
A Flavor Profile as Unique as Its Story
Cathedral French Oak delivers a flavor experience unlike any other. On the nose, aromas of rose petals, buckwheat honey, and lavender mingle with hints of maple and baked cherry. The first sip unveils layers of cinnamon, crème brûlée, and toasted oak, followed by a lush palate of cedar, vanilla cream, and bittersweet cream soda. The long-lasting finish is punctuated by overripe cherries and a touch of floral elegance, making it a whiskey best enjoyed neat and savored slowly.
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon
Dan Callaway, Bardstown Bourbon’s head of new product development, emphasized the importance of balance in this creation. “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,” he said. The result is a whiskey that not only pays homage to centuries-old craftsmanship but also showcases the pioneering spirit of American whiskey-making.
Exclusivity and Availability
Bardstown Bourbon's Distillery Reserve is a small-batch innovation, with only a limited number of bottles available. Each 375 mL bottle is priced at $99.99 and presented at 110.1 proof (55.05% ABV). This exclusive offering is available only at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s gift shops in Bardstown and Louisville, Kentucky.
For collectors and whiskey enthusiasts, this release provides a perfect reason to visit the Bourbon Trail. The limited availability adds to its allure, making it a must-have for those seeking something truly special.
A Tradition of Innovation
While Cathedral French Oak is an extraordinary debut, it’s just the beginning for the Distillery Reserve series. Bardstown Bourbon has built a reputation for blending creativity and transparency, earning accolades such as the 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year by IWSC and Distiller of the Year at the 2025 Icons of Whisky awards.
Image credit: Bardstown Bourbon
The company’s ability to source and experiment with unique materials, as seen with this release, speaks to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can achieve. Its approach combines tradition and modernity, creating products that honor history while offering something entirely new.
A Toast to the Future
Cathedral French Oak is more than just a whiskey; it’s a story in a bottle—a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and innovation. Bardstown Bourbon Company has set a high bar with this release, and the Distillery Reserve series promises to continue exploring uncharted territory in the whiskey world.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this release offers an opportunity to taste history and innovation in perfect harmony. Don’t miss your chance to experience it—make the pilgrimage to Bardstown or Louisville and secure a bottle before they’re gone.
