Old Bardstown Estate Bourbon 101 Proof

Color: Medium Copper Aroma: Very pleasant aroma! Sweet and sugary with Cinnamon Red Hots; molasses (?). I might be detecting a subtle "bubble gum" note as well. Palate: (consumed with an ice cube) Wow! Very sweet — almost fruit-sweet on the initial taste. Definitely follows the aroma. Fairly light mouthfeel, with minimal burn. Oak emerges on later sips... and spice appears at the back of the palate. But, yes... "fruity", like stone fruits. That’s the main takeaway. More elements are present, but I can’t identify them precisely... I believe it’s "honey" I'm sensing. A faint "citrus" note is also present as I continue tasting. Finish: I’m classifying this as a "long" finish with dominant spice and oak characteristics. A slight bitterness is also involved. However, it’s not unpleasant. Overall: This is a highly "unique" and "intriguing" bottle. It’s not my usual "smokey and rich" preference... but it is very good. For some reason, I thought this was a Bardstown distillate. Perhaps due to the mention of "Bardstown". Ha! It turns out to be a Willett distillate (Heh heh). This makes perfect sense, as it bears a resemblance to "Pure Kentucky" from the same Distillery — although I consider this superior. Not complicated, but there's enough happening to maintain interest. I had been searching for this for some time, but it was quite hard to find. So, if I find it again, I’ll likely repurchase. A solid 4.0 stars.

A delightful Christmas chocolate orange slice aroma awaits. It presents itself like a holiday captured in a bottle, with bright sweet orange and subtle cinnamon and clove, plus a tiny bit of old ethanol. The age and proof are evident on the nose. The initial taste is a bit sharp, with a surprisingly noticeable proof bite. As it moves around your tongue, you get a blend of that orange and syrup spice. The bite isn't unpleasant, just a sign of its youth; a few more years in the barrel might have greatly improved this Estate version. The finish reveals some dusty oak notes and nutty cola. It's not overly complicated, yet it still has a pleasing full body. For under $35, this is remarkably well-made. Allowing this bottle some air will help unlock its contained flavors. Enjoyable. Cheers!

A really great, easy-to-sip dram! A must-try/buy for your regular rotation. Nose: Sweet cinnamon candies, not overly spicy, and white bread, specifically Wonderbread. Palate: Pure Ceylon cinnamon, Oolong black tea, and corn syrup. A subtle hint of orange citrus. Finish: More cinnamon and black tea, with that distinctive sour mash tang. There's cinnamon present from beginning to end, but it's not overwhelmingly spicy. It's quite sweet and complemented by other distinctive flavors. I've never encountered such prominent black/oolong tea notes in a whiskey before and was very surprised. This is an excellent choice for a regular dram and is worth the price in my opinion. While not the most complex, its offerings are unique and intriguing. Again, it's approachable and engaging without dominating the experience. If you're looking for something different in your usual lineup, consider substituting this one for your everyday pour.

This is my initial review of this spirit. I'm enjoying it neat. Nose - Initially intensely spicy, but upon settling, enjoyable elements emerge. Consider caramel and oranges with hints of brown sugar and honey. The nose is quite distinctive once the initial spice subsides. Taste - A good balance of sweet and fruity at the start, concluding with a long, salty sensation. I perceive more orange on the palate, along with some chocolate and honey. This transitions into a pleasant, enduring finish with a slight burn, oak, and a salty, bitter conclusion. Overall - I appreciate this one. The nose is spectacular, the taste is well-balanced, and it's an affordable bourbon that's easy to drink. The distillery did a commendable job with this approachable bourbon.

Nose: A very clear and traditional Bourbon aroma immediately greets you. Butterscotch and vanilla are prominent, with a subtle hint of caramel underneath. It almost smells of alcohol, which is surprising given its Proof. Palate: Vanilla notes persist on the palate, joined by pleasant hints of cinnamon and brown sugar. A mild wood spice can also be detected toward the end. Finish: The finish is gentle but satisfying, leaving a trace of pepper spice. Overall, this is a much more pleasing drink than its 90 Proof sibling. Not outstanding, but a classic from start to finish.

The initial taste is intensely earthy, like green tea powder blended with vanilla. Immediate warmth, but not excessive. Very characteristic of Willett. The next taste brings out grassy notes, allspice, and strong bursts of cinnamon. It has that signature Willett character that I'm increasingly appreciating in small sips at the end of the evening. The finish offers more spice and pungent oak. I believe this, much like Noah's Mill, is best enjoyed as a third or fourth drink for a gentle evening sip. It might not be for everyone, but if you appreciate earthy and pungent flavors, it's a good find for under $30.