The seventh editions of Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s Fusion and Discovery Collection have hit the cabinets. Whereas the idea behind the 2 hasn’t modified, this newest pair of releases does seem to mark a brand new degree of complexity and uniqueness, not less than of their primary building. The mixing wizards at Bardstown Bourbon Co. have not often mixed greater than three whiskeys for both bottling, however this newest run depends on 5 totally different part whiskeys together with the primary use of a house-distilled four-grain recipe within the Fusion bottling and using a 100% Canadian corn whisky within the Discovery launch, making it the primary ever blended whisky within the lineup and the primary “worldwide” launch so far. Let’s examine them out.
Bardstown Bourbon Fusion Collection #7 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – The newest Fusion sequence continues the latest pattern of counting on simply 30% sourced Kentucky shares (this time two totally different recipes) with the remaining being a mixture of house-distilled rye bourbons and a small share of a brand new four-grain mashbill. The aroma is vivid and candy with a pleasant wood-driven spice and notes of toffee pudding, pecan shells, and a few orange zest. The palate is lush with a gentle heat. Arboreal honey and butterscotch candies give strategy to sharper, spicier oak and dried tobacco earlier than coalescing right into a delicate, however beneficiant, end of baking spice and refined fruit cocktail in mild syrup. These Fusion releases are hitting their stride. Whereas not fairly nearly as good on paper as their Discovery brethren, they’ve grow to be virtually extra enjoyable to discover. 98.1 proof. A- / $60
Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Collection #7 Blended Whiskey – Just like the earlier Discovery sequence launch, this one consists of sourced shares from all three main bourbon producing states however with the distinctive addition of Canadian corn whisky, which makes up a wholesome 21% of this mix. The nostril showcases one other wealthy and soulful aroma for this sequence with notes of darkish, chewy caramel and chocolate-covered citrus juxtaposed with some distinctive, grassy florals that add brightness and nuance. The palate is superbly balanced with a silky, brown sugar sweetness and plenty of orchard fruit notes: apples, tinned pears, and white peaches amongst them. A peppery spice arrives mid-palate and lingers into an especially lengthy end of cigar wrapper, chocolate biscuits, and lychee. A standout launch in an already spectacular sequence. 114.5 proof. A / $130