Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series #5

Neat. Sample. My initial impression of the nose was off-putting, detecting a wet dog scent. When this happens, I usually assume it's my perception, not the spirit. I take a break, smell my elbow, and try to reset. Revisiting it, there's a mustiness, but it's less intense than the first whiff. It seems the producer aims for a chocolate peanut butter cup flavor when their own distillate is used. There's also some intriguing fresh coconut and a vanilla pudding pie note. The aroma is inviting but unremarkable. To the touch, it feels average, slightly watered down. The taste mirrors the nose. That fresh coconut comes through first, almost like coconut milk. It transitions to chocolate, a hint of nut, and finishes with a vanilla milkshake. Come to think of it, the mouthfeel does have a creaminess to it upon subsequent sips, contrary to my initial impression. This is somewhat distinctive. It resembles a vanilla coconut milk alternative. An unusual description for a bourbon, but I like it. I don't see myself purchasing a bottle, but it's interesting to explore once; I don't expect to crave it.

Deep straw hue. It adheres to the glass, leaving only a few slowly forming streaks. The scent is complex: Rye is clearly present with underlying notes of baking spices and tart fruit, a musty barnyard character.... Some notes of burnt sugar or caramel. Ample barrel influence: aged oak planks, tobacco, and a whisper of coconut or vanilla. It takes its time to reveal its flavors, but the ending is not particularly extended. No clear leader initially, but the middle palate offers some floral hints, a touch of the tart fruit, and more burnt caramel... a significant wood presence, evoking a humidor or an ancient cedar closet. Vanilla-frosted lemon cookies come to mind late. It provides a warming sensation that's more than just the alcohol. While it's never overtly sweet, there's sufficient harmony to suggest sweetness is present. This is certainly an intricate spirit... Glad to have a bottle to explore its further depths. In summary, it's very high quality, quite intricate, well-harmonized, and very engaging... It faintly brings to mind Noah's Mill with its dark cacao/burnt caramel/tobacco profile.

Fusion Series #5, 47.45% ABV, straight Kentucky bourbon. Composed of 56% Bardstown 4yr bourbon (70% corn, 18% rye, 12% malted barley); 14% Bardstown 3yr bourbon (60% corn, 26% rye, 10% wheat, 4% malted barley); and 30% Kentucky 11yr bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley). I appreciate their transparency in blending, even though I'm new to understanding what that entails. Acquired this in Colorado in April 2024 and decided to open it. Enjoyed neat. Appears as golden straw brown with average coating legs in the glass. The aroma presents dry grass, sweet grain, and light milk chocolate. In the mouth, there's a burst of baking spice, caramelized sugar, and floral vanilla with a slight ethanol bloom. It's sweet with a coating mouthfeel that quickly fades to a thinner, spicy/minty tingling finish that is quite short but clean. The oak is subtle until the finish. I've appreciated many of these Bardstown blends. This one seems to have sweeter/lighter flavors: less oak, leather, and tannins, yet not excessively fruity or floral. It's nice for sipping. I'll see how my opinion evolves.

I find it difficult to agree with the general praise for the fusion series. I'm stating this disclaimer upfront. Nose: Caramel, vanilla, sugar. Body: Cinnamon, caramel. There's a bright quality present, at least in the mouthfeel. If I really try, I can detect tangerine. However, it's more of a sensation than a distinct flavor. Finish: More cinnamon, with a touch of cocoa. The burn is moderate. The texture is quite oily, but I don't mind that at all. This is a perfectly acceptable bourbon. But. The price point is comparable to bottles like RHF, Blantons, OWA, Henry McKenna 10, Baker's 7, and EHT, ELT... must I continue? It doesn't measure up to the quality of those selections. It's inferior to numerous bourbons costing $20 less. This is the sole product line from Bardstown that is egregiously overpriced. The Origin series is flawless. The Finished series is expensive, but I can justify it. The Discovery series is perfectly fine with me. However, this one is entirely misguided. Each time I sample one, I think: "This is a decent bourbon... that should retail for $50."

The aroma is sweet and finishes with a slight burn near the nose. You can discern a blend of aged and young bourbons with a prominent corn mash bill. The color is a deep amber, and it coats the glass smoothly with long legs, showing just enough thickness to indicate its sweetness. The initial taste is smooth and sweet with a mild bite for an easy finish. It's noticeable on the tip of the tongue and lips, but it has a pleasant caramel finish. Tastes of walnuts, apples, oak, and a hint of honey sweetness. Definitely a favorite, especially since I also have the #3.

The aroma is candy-like and predominantly sweet, perhaps like candy corn with a very faint hint of baking spice. The flavor mirrors the aroma, being mostly a sweet bourbon with a touch of young bourbon character. Some fruit and apple notes are present. Adding a few drops of water has an intriguing effect: the aroma becomes much more muted, but the flavor expands significantly, revealing more depth with maple and spice. Now, there's some cinnamon and lingering oak notes. The finish is improved this way, and water is essential. Still, it's not a remarkable spirit...