Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Let's begin by stating what it is not - this is not the next hidden gem from the bottom shelf that tastes like a high-end bottling. Not even close. It's also not the next success story like a specific single barrel release that will have everyone hunting for it. What it is, is a dependable, budget-friendly, readily available bourbon that has enough presence to stand out in a mixed drink but is also (barely) acceptable neat. It's in the same category as some other popular brands, but not as good as a couple of specific higher proof options. Now for the specifics. The nose has vanilla, candy corn and burnt caramel with ethanol present throughout. The nose accurately predicts a hot sip, and it delivered. The palate is thin and initially a bit dry, with a quick hit of wood tannin immediately followed by an alcoholic burn before mellowing enough to reveal caramel and vanilla. Note that the caramel tastes burnt, and the vanilla seems artificial, but the flavors are recognizable. The mid-palate becomes slightly sweet and introduces a few baking spices, then the heat returns and concludes with the same brief dry tannins from the initial taste. Adding water mutes all the flavors except the heat, and ice diminishes all flavors except the dry tannins. This expression isn't revolutionary, but it holds its own in cocktails like a Manhattan or whisky sour, and it's the ideal companion for cola or ginger ale. If you're at a bar with only this, another well-known brand, and a third popular option, this is the superior choice.

Another Kentucky special I managed to get. Tastes very similar to Rowans Creek - lots of cinnamon spice and leather/walnut. But Rowans Creek is better. It's an acceptable whiskey and certainly not bad for the cost. However, it's thin, with almost no finish (only a brief sweet cinnamon lingers), and drinks a bit hot for the stated 100 proof. Unlike Heaven Hill 6 yr, I would not buy this in bulk if I returned to Kentucky. I likely wouldn't even get it if it were available here. That said, if Rowans Creek or Noah's Mill are your preferred bourbons, this could be a good alternative to try, especially for replicating a similar flavor profile in mixed drinks for a lot less money.

Ranked second out of six during an evening of tastings. This is a damn fine whiskey for $18. It smells a bit different from most. The aroma has Madagascar vanilla, some dusty orange liqueur (like bitter orange from an Old Fashioned), and nothing unpleasant. It has a light body on the palate and straightforward new oak and vanilla flavors, with just a hint of spice near the short finish to keep it balanced. This was likely about 8 years old and half full in a glass bottle with a gold plastic screw top. The current bottles have black plastic screw tops, and who knows how much variation there's been. For $18, I'd be happy to try it again.

Nose: Very sweet oak and molasses. I also detect notes of a light red fruit, perhaps an apple. A fantastic nose. Palate: Incredible, especially for $30??? Delicious. Notes of sweet honey and graham cracker. I get some oak on the finish with a surprisingly long tail. This bottle could be priced at $80 and I would still purchase it. I first sampled this from a friend about a year ago and have been searching for one ever since. So happy I finally located one. A superb pour.

Aroma: Very sweet oak and molasses. I also detect notes of a light red fruit, perhaps an apple. A fantastic aroma. Taste: Incredible... especially for $30??? Delicious. Flavors of sweet honey and graham cracker. Oak is present on the finish, which is surprisingly long. I would still purchase this bottle even if it cost $80. I first sampled this from a friend about a year ago and have been searching for it since. Thrilled to have finally found it. A superb pour.

This is a perfectly fine bottle for its price. It's not bad, just a bit plain with a kick. This is an excellent bottle to bring to a gathering and make old fashions with. It's worth trying if you enjoy bottle-in-bond, but manage your expectations. Again, for the cost, it's worth a shot.