Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #13

The aroma is dominated by oak, sugar, and caramel. When consumed with a large ice cube, the palate reveals significant oak and spices. While I'm uncertain of the exact rye content, it strongly comes through. With continued sipping, this bourbon achieves an excellent equilibrium between sweetness and spice. It's difficult to pinpoint every flavor, but it is undeniably very good, standing out among numerous other whiskies. The finish is lengthy, featuring spice and slightly astringent qualities. In conclusion, I'm a great admirer of the Bardstown brand. Until now, I'd only sampled their 'Origins' Series and their Wheated Bourbon. This 'Discovery Double Barreled' has proven itself as the quintessential 'try before you buy' – and I intend to purchase it as soon as possible.

A friend brought Bardstown to my attention some time ago, and I'm grateful for the recommendation. I tried some of their simpler, entry-level offerings like the OG Bourbon and wheat. They were decent spirits for the price, but this one was on another level. It tasted like something that would be very expensive. The complexity and quality were exceptional. The aroma offered an appealing and intriguing blend of brown sugar, baking spices, and herbal notes. The palate began assertively with a childhood recollection I identified as red hot candies – spicy and sweet, gradually softening to notes of oak, tobacco, and subtle chocolate that lingered on the long finish. The oily body helped preserve the flavors. The only downside is that my bottle is nearly empty. Following this experience, I will definitely explore other products from this talented distillery.

Numerous descriptors come to mind, possibly even more I haven't listed. So many tastes that it's difficult to pinpoint them. Minty, piney, cinnamon, or peppery? The aroma is deep, dark, and earthy with hints of confectionery, perhaps vanilla frosting. The taste definitely had a prickle like red hots candy but also rich chocolate cupcake qualities. It begins rich and like creme brulee, shifts to cinnamon, then back to that burnt sugar essence. It's like a deep, dark relative of a Willett purple top. It even resembles one of the scarce character bourbons lately. It's a top-tier whiskey I enjoy now and will appreciate more when it's colder. I wouldn't rush to buy more, but I suspect I'll crave another once it's gone. Update: I've figured it out. It tastes like Garrison Brothers Cowboy at nearly half the cost.

The aroma is very sweet, reminiscent of cotton candy, with a subtle baking spice in the background. Surprisingly, the palate maintains its sweetness but brings to mind Red Hot cinnamon candies. There's a slight oakiness, which I didn't expect to be so pronounced given the secondary aging. I also detect a hint of chocolate that intensifies towards the finish. The finish also reveals notes of licorice and peanut, along with a pleasant warmth that extends the lingering sensation. A very enjoyable pour.

Notes of anise, butterscotch, wood, Dr Pepper, leather, tobacco, allspice, black tea, and dates appear on the palate, which is distinct from the aroma.

Smell: butterscotch or burnt caramel, vanilla, brown sugar Taste: oak and toasty, spicy, cinnamon,