Bardstown Bourbon Co. West Virginia Great Barrel Company Blended Rye

Bardstown has a rye release? Sign me up. Rye, as we know, surpasses bourbon. The complexity and depth are significantly enhanced when rye constitutes the majority of the mash bill. Bardstown, as we know, is top-tier. Their pricing is debated, especially if you scrutinize the contents too closely with a "what's in the bottle" mindset. For instance, this blended rye combines 6-7 year old 95% Indiana rye with 12 year old 100% Canadian corn whisky, priced at $150-200. While that seems high, I believe Bardstown's pricing accurately reflects market demand. No one is queuing, entering raffles, or charming liquor store staff for these limited releases; however, they do sell out within a few weeks in my area. Those seeking something distinctive and delicious, not necessarily the typical bourbon and rye profiles, just know to acquire these special Bardstown releases. For this particular bottling, Bardstown collaborates with a West Virginia cooperage, utilizing cherry wood treated with infrared lasers, as traditional fire is considered too primitive. You might expect such advanced technology to yield a sterile, precise rye, but this is a rustic dram. It presents numerous intriguing notes that go beyond the usual rye characteristics. There's an immediate warm and welcoming scent of cake baking. Like many fine ryes, it evokes a holiday feeling! But then, deeper layers emerge, possessing a slightly briny, funky, and earthy quality. Very few North American whiskies compel me to nose the glass with the intensity I reserve for a good Scotch. The palate is the reason Bardstown can command a premium. Forget asking what's in the bottle; just savor the contents. This blend exhibits impeccable balance and confidence. The fruit notes are prominent; cherries are discernible. There's considerable sweetness, balanced by a robust smoky woodiness. The rye spices are present but don't dominate. The mouthfeel is oily and creamy, exceeding that of any rye I've encountered. Who would have thought a touch of Canadian corn whisky is precisely what a rye needs to reach its peak?

Bright, reddish-copper hue. A significant amount of legs that descend slowly. The aroma is bursting with green apple, clove, powdered sugar, caramel, and notes of oak lumber and a musty barn. A subtle hint of cedar or cypress and tobacco truly sparks intrigue. (Someone else got it right with "rosewater") The texture is soft and somewhat light, yet it still coats the palate effectively. Intense warmth, stemming from the high proof and the spices, which seem to intensify each other's warming effect. A strong presence of clove initially, gradually merging into a succulent, tart fruit and caramel flavor in the middle, leading to wood on the finish without completely fading. There's an underlying sweetness throughout the entire experience. This distillery consistently delivers, and this release is no different. I'm not certain I'd spend $150 on it again, but it's fantastic.

This spirit is finished in infrared-toasted cherry oak barrels. While I'm sure it's genuine, can we all agree that sounds like nonsense? Nose: High brine, pickles, salted honey. Sugar, tangerines. Body: Very intense, with chocolate, cream, sugar, raspberry. A hint of tea. Finish: Black pepper. Potpourri. Rose water. Watermelon. A Kentucky chew opens this up somewhat. The wood notes are pronounced, but they seem to be the source of some truly delightful floral notes. This is a well-made product. Value for money is always a consideration with this producer, but I feel this one is justified. It's an incredibly complex rye, and although I mocked the infrared-toasted cherry oak barrel aspect, if that's what contributes the floral notes, then it's a welcome addition for a rye. I'm completely on board. Bring on the lasers.

I had this as a sample and was very impressed, so with a bottle in hand, it's time for a review. It has a moderate red color with some nice legs. The nose is quite complex, but predominantly sweet, with some oak present and a somewhat nutty finish. While I detect some cherry, I question if that's because I'm 'expecting' it, but it's a captivating aroma regardless. That said, the flavor is the highlight...modestly spicy from the rye mashbill, there's a vanilla sweetness throughout, with hints of sugar and oaky tannins. Actually, on second thought, the mouthfeel is also the highlight - this is beautifully balanced...oily and smooth with a great finish, and easy to drink for being 110 proof. I don't really understand how this works, but it does. It isn't inexpensive, but I'd venture to say it's a good value...one of the most distinctive pours I've had.

Nose: It has an odd nose. I get the cherry with a note of oak. Taste: Baked cherry, floral note almost potpourri-like, light rye notes. Finish: Man, the whiskey just sits on the tongue with a spicy cherry just staying with you. Overall: the price tag for this bottle does not equate to the age and overall flavor of this whiskey. They don't give the percentages but it's 6-year-old rye and 12-year-old 100% corn whiskey.

Tasted neat. Nose- dried cherries and fresh apples, rye, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of lemon. Palate-it may sound strange, but it tasted to me like rye, caramel, dried fruit, and nuts all covered in chocolate! I kept getting that chocolate hit all through the glass. This is an amazing pour. Pricey, but very, very complex and delicious.