Old Bardstown White Label Bourbon 90 Proof

Appearance: Pale reddish-brown. Smell: Initially subtle and a touch sweet, it evolves into a "vegetal" aroma with more sniffing. This is genuinely the first time I've picked up a distinct "plant" scent from any of the nearly 200 bottles of bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys I've sampled over the last 4-5 years. Taste: As it's quite a low proof, I opted to drink the first pour straight... and, damn! Wasn't anticipating that warmth in my chest. A second sip delivers a spicy onslaught that coats the tongue. This is curious... there's a flavor I can't quite identify. The chest warmth persists. Astonishing at 90 Proof. I believe I detect "immaturity"... yes, "young corn". While I don't know the exact age (as there isn't one), I'd be surprised if this were older than 4 years. I suspect it's younger. I'm going to add an ice cube to the second pour and see what emerges.... Not really. Perhaps a bit more "wood", and the ice certainly tempers that heat. Maybe, the ice brings out a little more sweetness... possibly some burnt sugar (?). Further thinning has revealed some "partially ripened apple". Aftertaste: I'd rate this a medium finish, with some heat and a little bit of bitterness. Overall: I don't usually buy spirits online. But I had been searching for Old Bardstown Estate for some time. When I found it on the web, with complimentary delivery, I decided to proceed. But what did they send? The incorrect Old Bardstown! (Bummer). I decided to keep it, and sadly, it wasn't a fortunate mistake. This is young liquor with not much complexity. It's not terrible, but it's not excellent. Certainly not worth the price I ultimately paid, even after receiving a refund for the error. Likely best as a component in mixed drinks. 2.5 stars.

BACKGROUND: Old Bardstown is made by the Willet Distillery, which first opened in 1935 – two years after Prohibition ended – and operated until the mid-1970s, when it shifted to producing ethanol fuel. Norwegian Even Kulsveen purchased the distillery in 1984, renamed it Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, and used it as a bottling facility for other brands. The site refocused on bourbon production and sales in 2012, initially sourcing product from contract distillers and eventually producing its own whiskey. Alongside the 90 proof Old Bardstown I sampled, the distillery also offers a 101 proof Old Bardstown Estate Bottled and a 100 Proof Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond. The bourbon costs about $24 and is aged for at least four years, as indicated by the absence of an age statement. AROMA: The scent presents an unusual mix of cherries – not like cherry syrup from some bourbons, but as if you dipped your nose into a jar of maraschino cherries – and dried grass. TASTE: Similar to the aroma, the taste is very cherry-dominant. Some butterscotch – not caramel, but butterscotch – is also present, though it's overshadowed by the jar of maraschino cherries. FINISH: Old Bardstown provides a short finish with a distinctly unpleasant grassy note that lingers at the back of the throat. The grassy flavor becomes more apparent with each successive sip. FINAL JUDGMENT: Old Bardstown is a very one-note bourbon, and even that single note isn't particularly good. This bourbon is clearly more suited for a rocks glass with a mixer rather than being enjoyed neat in a glencairn.

Running low on your Bookers, Bakers, and candle-waxed Makers? Need a quick bottle off the shelf (not the top one) that will do the job without breaking the bank too severely? You might consider Old Bardstown. Willett seems to have done something right and released a product suitable for the average consumer. Of course, anyone can put a "Kentucky" label on a bottle and claim authenticity, but the team revitalizing the Willett family distillery isn't shortchanging with this somewhat less-than-premium offering. Labeled as "straight bourbon whiskey," you get a spicy and sweet blend of traditional bourbon elements with a hint of oak and a leathery finish. It certainly bears some resemblance to the well-known Willett Pot Still Reserve in its distinctive bottle. What might be more noteworthy is the absence of the vegetal, unaged mash bitterness common in new market releases. A 90 proof offering that delivers a robust flavor, Old Bardstown is aptly named. It wasn't a bottle I was actively seeking when I found it, but it might remind some of an old flame – "I wasn't looking for her when she found me." I'm going on record to declare this the "best value bourbon release of the year." A fine bourbon worth trying!

I am pleasantly surprised by this Bourbon. My apprehension regarding Willett establishing their own distillery and producing their own spirit was that its taste profile might diverge significantly from what I associate with them. I enjoy Willett's Pot Still Reserve; for me, it presents cinnamon candy/red hots on both the nose and palate, which I truly appreciate, and no other Bourbon/Whiskey offers that distinct characteristic. Therefore, my concern with the new in-house distillate was that this unique profile might be lost due to different production facilities, storage locations, and environmental conditions, among other factors. However, after sampling this Old Bardstown, that characteristic remains. I'm unsure how they achieved it, but they did. Upon the initial nosing, it immediately evoked the familiar scent of Willett Pot Still Reserve, and the taste on the palate is also present. To me, this smells and tastes like a slightly less intense Willett Pot Still Reserve, available at less than half the price. This prompted me to immediately pour a glass of the Pot Still Reserve for a direct comparison. Following the side-by-side tasting, my initial assessment was confirmed. It's essentially Pot Still Reserve with a slightly dialed-back intensity, but the aroma and flavor are present, which was a welcome surprise and eased my concerns.

OLD BARDSTOWN WHITE LABEL A certain state has recently begun offering Willett products after an absence of about 8 years. GLASS: Glencairn AROMA: Burnt Caramel, Vanilla, and Butterscotch. On the less conventional side, I'm detecting Dr. Pepper Jelly Bellys. There's also the Musty Orange Note I associate with Johnny Drum Private Stock, just less intense. NEAT: Salty and only slightly sweet. Honey Roasted Peanut, Orange Peel, and Vanilla. The mouthfeel is a bit on the thin side with some peppery spice. Some Oak on the Finish with a lingering, coating Peppery Spice. SPLASH: A little water brings out Maple and Hazelnut. The Dr. Pepper from the aroma reappears. It improves the mouthfeel and the flavors become a little more persistent. CONCLUSION: Solid and Slightly Different, but perhaps a bit overpriced at $27.

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual American Whiskey Tasting, February 26, 2021) Aroma: Floral, vanilla, wood, damp earth, solvent Taste: Wood, caramel, popped corn, citrus, spice, black pepper Aftertaste: Musty and brief. A spicy and floral finish with a slightly tart aftertaste. This is a rather 'fiery' bourbon. Spicy and with a tart citrus aftertaste. The primary detractor for my palate was the thin mouthfeel. It lacks substance. Average and ultimately somewhat forgettable. Ranked fifth out of the six whiskeys, receiving 5% of the final vote for favorite of the night. Half of those present indicated they enjoyed the whiskey.