Bardstown Bourbon Co. Copper & Kings Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

This is actually my second bottle of this; the first was sampled out, and frankly, I drank it. So, moving on to bottle two... perhaps giving me a chance to determine if I need a fourth or fifth bottle. Quick note: 12-year-old MGP, 100 proof, aged 18 months in a sherry cask, likely first fill. Nose: Immediately on the nose, I detect honey, light berries, rye spice, some waxy/plasticky notes, and a good amount of very neutral oak. It's quite sweet, likely with a vanilla undertone. The MGP bourbon is mostly subdued, but the rye note that emerges and gives the fruity flavors a somewhat awkward arrival is almost certainly from the characteristic rye mash of MGP. This is rich, distinctive, and very special. Taste: The first thing to note is that it's somewhat drying, and in that regard, I think the 100 proof was a wise choice. Upfront, it's sweet and intensely sugary with a rush of honey that has had fruits soaking in it. I'm picturing a tart strawberry covered in honey that has been aging in an oak barrel. The finish, however, is dry, with funky notes appearing, some rye, some bitter oak, and an element that has repeatedly brought to mind baby vomit, which is a struggle for me as I don't have children. So, the overall impression is that this doesn't drink like a bourbon. The sherry casks have completely taken over, and the MGP rye and sweetness now serve merely as a background to showcase these casks. It's very tannic, likely from the sherry cask, which is both good and bad, as it adds complexity but also has some off-putting moments. I enjoy the fruity sherry flavor; it's difficult to pinpoint exactly, but I perceive it as red berry, muted by oak and honey. Overall, this is an incredibly unique whisky and is quite fun and enjoyable. I may have to seriously consider if I can acquire another bottle, as one of my two backups is apparently spoken for. The score is tricky here. I really like it. But a score involves more than just personal enjoyment. I must consider that the bourbon was overpowered by sherry. I need to remember the overpowering tannins. I have to weigh whether the finish is sufficiently long. Is there enough complexity? In doing so, I must conclude that this falls short of exceptional. Therefore, I'm settling on a 3.0. For me, to surpass a 3, there generally needs to be a combination of no flaws and outstanding notes, or a 'wow' factor that overshadows any flaws. I don't believe we reach that point here, and that's acceptable. I've noticed I've been grading more favorably recently, so I'm also trying to re-center myself and return to a consistent scoring system. If good Springbank 12 CS is a 3.25, and I consider that fair, then this should be a 3.0.

Can easily be loved by bourbon fans and Sherry bomb enthusiasts alike. Nose: Raisins, Cherries, Pecan Pie, Strawberries, Cinnamon, Walnuts, Cola, Maple Syrup, Root Beer, Dark Chocolate, Oranges, Peaches, Almonds, Violets, Lavender Palate: vanilla, raisins, caramel, almonds, honey, oranges, walnuts, nutmeg, peaches, cherries, maple syrup, shortbread cookies, blackberries, raspberries Finish: Vanilla, Raisins, Luxardo Cherries, Strawberries, Milk Chocolate, prunes, violets, raspberries, strawberries

Not your typical bourbon. The nose is dominated by notes of oak and brandy. It's somewhat like mixing bourbon with red wine. The palate, again, is not traditional bourbon, but enjoyable. The finish is sour, akin to a strong wine. Is it good, yes. Worth $130? I don't believe so. I'd prefer to see this bottle priced closer to $70.

The Bardstown presents an incredibly complex nose of honey, leather, and pipe tobacco. It offers a superb buttery mouthfeel, with the caramel sweetness of bourbon at the forefront, followed by dried fruit flavors from the sherry, and a medium, lingering finish.

Really good. If only it had more alcohol. Silky from start to finish. 86/100

Pure sulfur. It's a shame because the underlying spirit seems promising.