Bardstown Bourbon Co. Ferrand Finish

To begin, this is distinct from anything else they have released in their finished series, as far as I'm aware. They incorporated two spirits sourced from Kentucky, one aged seven years and another eleven; we'll use code names for these. The seven-year will be referred to as Heaven Hill (no particular justification, as the source is unknown), and the eleven-year will be codenamed Turkey (also no specific reason). Nose - this bottle has been open for about twelve hours, and the initial sharp burn from the neck has already subsided. There's a sweet, earthy quality that is truly unique among spirits I've encountered. It's not solely due to cognac, nor is it a distinctive mash bill or bourbon characteristic. It's sweet, with notes of tobacco and peanut dust. I detect candied apple, perhaps even a hint of apple cider. It evokes autumn. There are subtle floral notes. And yes, there is dry oak, reminiscent of being aged in a barn. I'm noting many characteristics similar to Jim Beam, but with a sweetness that Beam never possesses. However, it's somewhat muted and lacks any real impact. Let me be clear, it's nothing like their sherry expression, which someone compared it to. Taste - I find myself returning to this repeatedly. Unsweetened milk chocolate with peanuts and sweet, creamy caramel. Unfortunately, this sounds much better than the actual drink. It was likely bottled at 55% ABV, given its hot and spicy bourbon profile; they likely couldn't increase the proof further without issues. It has considerable spice and some pleasant fruit notes. The finish is of adequate length but consists mostly of dried-out oak. Adding water - for a moment, I thought it was transformative. Water brings out the sweetness from the cognac and introduces a wonderfully balanced profile upfront... and then the finish. Bitter oak tannins emerge, and the previously enjoyable nutty and earthy notes on the backend become subdued. It's quite unfortunate, as the initial impression might have redeemed it. So, why the Turkey comparison instead of Beam? Well... there's just something about it that continually reminds me more of drinking that WB Saffle rather than a Knob Creek. I can't quite pinpoint why. I paid $175, but I've seen online it was supposed to retail for $125, which is unusual since the store where I purchased it does not inflate prices. Score - I'm leaving this open for reconsideration, but for now, I'm giving it a 2.0. I'm quite disappointed with this one. Perhaps MGP spirits integrate better with finishing, but frankly, this needed more finishing or something similar. Ultimately, I'd prefer an evening of drinking uncut and unfiltered spirits over this. As much as I'd like to pour another glass to identify some elusive notes, the overall enjoyment is lacking. To me, this drinks like something around the $100 price point. About what you'd pay for Magnus (and speaking of Magnus, is that one declining a bit, perhaps less 12-year MGP?). And honestly, at $100, it's already pushing my limits for perceived value. Sadly, those days of abundant 12-year-old MGP seem to be over. These 11-15 year expressions from Barton and Beam... and other unique single barrels that occasionally appear just aren't the same. They lack, if you will, the ability to blend well. Poured just a bit of their Copper & King sherry bomb - wow... the nose is incredible. Sherry abounds, with that MGP rye spice and notes of well-aged bourbon. Then there's an artificial kids' strawberry flavor with a funky, chewy bourbon profile, and it's just delicious. Oh no, this isn't even close to that one, and that wasn't even their best finished bourbon.

I'll admit upfront that I want to enjoy Bardstown Bourbon's offerings, but for some reason, they don't quite hit the mark. I've sampled their spirits at their establishment but haven't purchased a bottle. The products seem too youthful for my preference, even when mixed with older spirits that I genuinely appreciate. A friend shared this bottle, which came from a bourbon group, for a taste after Thanksgiving. With my personal leanings evident, I detect a slightly sharp aroma, but pleasing notes of caramel, oak, and nutmeg are present. There's also a hint of green apple fruitiness. Upon tasting, I experience more nuttiness alongside the caramel. The texture is a bit thin, and the oaky finish might benefit from more duration. My issue with this bottle, and other Bardstown Bourbon Company products, is the cost. It's a decent bourbon, but not exceptional, and when someone spends $125 on a bottle, it ought to be close to outstanding.

Bardstown Bourbon Company - Ferrand - 110 proof My palate is a bit fatigued initially, but the shade of this pour is a rich saddle bag brown. It smells of banana and vanilla, with a hint of ethanol. The initial taste brings a touch of warmth, but it swiftly transforms into fluid cherries and brown sugar, leaving a pleasant, enduring finish. The subsequent sip maintains the dark fruit character and lengthy conclusion. Another success from Bardstown Bourbon Company.

Very rich and refined. Smell: Vanilla, Marshmallows, Lavender, Jasmine, Milk Chocolate, Pineapples, Maple Syrup, White Chocolate. Taste: Vanilla, Orange Peels, Peaches, Lavender, Apricots, Cherries, Banoffee Pie, Marshmallows. Conclusion: Caramel, Oranges, Ginger, Walnuts, Sultanas, Pecan Pie, Almonds, Apricots.

The aroma is rather subtle, with hints of apricot and floral notes emerging. A trace of brown sugar too. Apples, raisin, and more brown sugar on the taste. A pleasant, lingering, warm conclusion, with a hint of chocolate. It's unique; the cognac character is strong, but I'm a supporter.

AROMA Strawberry jam, honey-glazed almonds, dried cranberries, licorice MOUTHFEEL Intense raisin flavor, grape jam, AFTERTASTE Medium length, drying, chocolate-covered raisins, a caramel-chewing-gum candy. Syrupy