Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series #4

Since the 7 isn't listed yet and I dislike adding whiskeys, I'll compare 4 versus 7 and review both here. I'll transfer the 7's review when it's available. Full disclosure: I purchased the fusion 4, but the distillery provided the 7. 4 Nose - The aroma is developing into classic Barton characteristics. Apple, mild cinnamon, a hint of oak spice, and then an earthy component not found in Barton. Overall, it's VERY Barton upfront. Taste - While the nose reflects 13-year-old Barton, the palate is more like funky, unusual young bourbons with that pleasant sweet Barton finish. I don't have much to say here; it's just uninteresting, quite dull, and lacks description. Overall - I don't dislike this bottle and have been finishing it to make space. It has a savory, oily, malty, and youthful quality I can't connect with. That said, I think the Barton is so young it might truly excel in another 5-6 years. 7 Nose - White sugar and corn are the primary notes here. Very clean, simple sweetness followed by funky bourbon. The rye comes across as burnt and heavily oaked. It's clearly a blend of likely Heaven Hill/Beam type bourbons. Very strong on those corn nut-forward elements. Taste - Corn, sour, bitter, very little sweetness, tannic, and yet youthful. This is NOT good, lol. I must admit it's layered with considerable depth and many flavors, I just don't enjoy any of them. But if you enjoy something funky, you might like it. Finally, this is higher proof than batch 4 and has a really nice mouthfeel. For me, the 4 is a 1.5 and the 7 is a 1.25. Both are acceptable bourbons, but they should be priced much lower, around that $40 mark. I understand they use some expensive sourced bourbon, but their own distillate isn't ready for prime time in my opinion.

The aroma begins with a vibrant mix of floral rye and mint, sweet creamy oak, butterscotch, all complemented by fruit jam and a hint of leather. It possesses a wonderful complexity that reveals something new with each sniff. As it airs, the spice recedes, revealing a lush creaminess. The taste is somewhat rich with a light, almost oily texture that coats the entire mouth. Rye and cinnamon are present at the front of the tongue, quickly moving down the sides, while vanilla and oak glide down the center. It all combines into a sweet, smooth, yet spicy experience, like taking a bite of spicy cake. All the elements detected on the nose merge harmoniously on the palate, requiring few words to describe. This is a significant credit to the whiskey, as everything comes together so well. Indeed, after a few minutes of breathing, the aroma immediately evokes cake. It's delightful. The finish is medium and spicy, with lush oak that persists and mingles with the spice and vanilla that emerges with each chew. It unfortunately doesn't last much longer, but it certainly makes you want another sip.

My initial experience and review. Enjoying it straight, without letting it sit. Smell: Sugary and fruity, with chocolate, orange, and a subtle spice. Taste: Sweet, salty, and fruity. A rich variety of flavors emerges, starting with vanilla notes, followed by citrus and cherries, then an abrupt saltiness. The finish includes oak, mint, and more vanilla. The mint carries a slight spiciness. The finish is quite brief but leaves you wanting more. Possesses quite distinctive bourbon flavor profiles. General impression: A unique and pleasant departure from typical everyday bourbon. Offers interesting flavors that combine effectively. A good purchase for the $50 price.

Discovered near the South Bend airport at a bar, tucked behind other bottles. The aroma is strongly of young, sharp rye with pleasant caramel undertones, possibly with a trace of fruit or apple tart. The palate has a delightful texture, light and smooth like butter, with a complex blend of tastes: sweet vanilla butter and honey syrup, a touch of molasses, and mint. Quite good – possibly the best in the fusion series I've sampled (2, 5, 6, 7).

Really interesting flavors. You can taste the younger whiskey contributing bright notes of spice (likely from higher rye mashbills), but the finish is incredibly mellow and pleasant. It has a... disconnect? Mid-palate that I can't quite place, but overall packed with flavor. This is the first Bardstown product I've tried, but I'm definitely keen to try more from them in the future.

Smoke on the nose. It made a multi-layered impact on my palate upon entry (in a positive way). The finish had spice on several levels (like fireworks exploding at different heights). I'm unsure of its role in my collection; perhaps for crafting smoky cocktails or as a relaxing nightcap. I likely won't replace the bottle when it's empty.