Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #5

The nose opens with a pleasant cola scent, light oak spice, and peanut brittle, then transitions to cinnamon-spiced caramel apples, diluted cherry juice, and an orange sports drink. Following that are notes of chai spiced latte, leather, and mild oak, with a moderate ethanol burn. The palate has a medium body, starting with a moderate, drying oak spice that gradually fades to notes of caramel apple fritters, cherry juice, and orange sports drink. This is followed by a light espresso mocha, leather, and medium ashy oak, accompanied by a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length, featuring caramelized peaches, apple pie, maraschino cherries, vanilla gelato, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, leather, and ashy oak spice. This whiskey boasts a nice, rich nose with classic bourbon flavors, appearing promising. However, the palate is an excessively drying spice experience that eventually yields to enjoyable fruits, coffee, and ashy oak, concluding with fruity notes, chocolate, and a medium ashy spice. Given the price of over $130, I had significantly higher expectations and desired better flavor balance. I compared this side-by-side with a Russell’s Reserve single barrel and found the Russell’s has a lighter nose and mouthfeel, yet maintains superior flavor balance without the drying oak character of this bottle. For me, the Russell’s offers a more satisfying experience and costs nearly half as much as this one. A sincere thank you to a friend for the generous sample of this to try.

I enjoyed Series 2, 3, and 4, but the Dickel in this bottle makes me hesitant given the cost. My experience with Dickel varies; I either love it or dislike it depending on specific characteristics. I'm really looking forward to sampling this before deciding to buy. The aroma is understated but seems to have some complexity. Initial notes of milk chocolate and a subtle apricot are present, along with royal vanilla icing, leather, clove, and cinnamon. Dark cherry, salted caramel, and honey with graham crackers follow. The graham cracker, honey, and icing combination reminded me of childhood Dunkaroos. There are certainly nice layers here, though it might lack overall harmony. It unmistakably tastes like Dickel, and a pleasant rendition at that, so far. The mouthfeel is somewhat thin but has an oily texture that coats the mouth well. It's immediately bright and sweet, with honey and green grapes. This transitions to a salted caramel and milk chocolate blend alongside dark cherry. The finish is predominantly Dickel: oak, leather, chocolate, with a faint hint of medicinal cherry. With subsequent sips, I detect a whisper of blood orange on the finish. If this were a $40-$50 bottled-in-bond Dickel 13 year, I'd be ecstatic. However, at $135 for Discovery 5, it doesn't align with the series or its price point. It's likely the finest Dickel blend I've ever encountered, but I don't believe I enjoy it enough to justify the expense.

Nose: fruit (raspberry or other red berry - this really dominates the nose), caramel, vanilla, chocolate, baking spice. Body: medium to full Palate: leather, caramel, vanilla, again the red fruits but this time with some smoke. Finish: medium to long. I detected the Tennessee whiskey orange Starburst flavor emerging on the finish. That was enjoyable. Note: Last taste from Jared. I'm intrigued by this whiskey given what I've heard. This is really good. I'm impressed by this and the Widow Jane 15.

After being sick: Smell: Has notes of spice and cinnamon. Taste: The palate is dominated by rye spice. Despite being 104 proof, it drinks like 80 proof, which is quite impressive. Finish: It lasts a medium amount of time, with rye spice present again at the end. Overall: My perception might be altered from just recovering from illness. Nevertheless, this bourbon is good, comparable to other good ones, I believe.

This spirit is highly complex; I find it evolves with each serving. It's truly distinctive. Aroma: Brown sugar, cookies, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, floral Palate: Peat, grass, chocolate, vanilla, sugar, leather, cinnamon, banana Finish: A lengthy finish with cinnamon, chocolate, and sugar.

My least preferred of the entire discovery series. While I haven't sampled 4 or 1, both 2 and 3 were outstanding. The Tennessee Whiskey's flavor profile dominated, making it taste like Jack Daniels. It was like a smoother Jack Daniels Single Barrel, but definitely not worth $130 in my opinion.