Bourbon Reviews: Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series #7, Discovery Series #7 arrives at 98.1 proof. Priced at $60, we assessed it with care.
Nose
Pretty mild, with hints of corn. Not very complex. A delicate nose with a hint of earthiness, oak, and nuttiness. Nice mild oak, tannin and a lovely spice that doesnt overpower the subtle vanilla, honey and stone fruit notes. I also get a hint of mint at the very tail end. It has a nice, decently long finish, with oak and mild vanilla lingering on while the spice fades. At the very end, you are left with hints of that oak lingering on your tongue. Final Thoughts: This is a lovely crafted blend from five different whiskies, and a pleasure to drink. Its finish is similar to ones I am used to from higher proof bourbons. This is a good sipper, at any occasion. Not overly complex, which is not surprising for a mostly three-year-old blend, but still well executed, with the older bourbons rounding up the youngness of more youthful components. Given that there are some older higher proof bourbons priced around $60 SRP, this might be a try before you buy kind of a proposition, but I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a well crafted, easy to sip yet decently complex bourbon, this is a good one. Score: 3.5/5 Tasting Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #7 Vital Stats: Blend includes 12-year bourbon from Kentucky with a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley, a 12-year bourbon from Kentucky with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley; 12-year 100% corn whiskey from Ontario, 7-year rye whiskey from Tennessee with a mash bill of 45% corn, 51% rye, and 4% malted barley; and a 17-year bourbon from Tennessee with a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley. 114.5 proof, $139.99 SRP. Appearance: Amber Nose: A delicate nose with a hint of earthiness, oak, and nuttiness. Palate: It has a nice mouth feel. Theres a little burn from the ABV but it goes away quickly, and its completely pleasant. I do get hints of mint on this one as well, plus some definite rye and black pepper spice. The rye component of this blend complements the sweetness from the corn very well. I also get subtle dark chocolate. Final Thoughts: Kudos to Bardstown Bourbon Company for a delicate, complex and delicious blend. BBC has shown their expertise in blending before and this is no exception. This is not one of those hit you in the face high proof bourbons this is, despite a high ABV, a delicate and complex whiskey. Score: 4/5 The Takeaway: Bardstown Bourbon Company is a rising star in the bourbon/whiskey world. Their Fusion and Discovery series are great examples of what masterful blending can do. Their own bourbon is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing how more time spent in the barrels will influence it in the upcoming years.
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Bourbon Reviews: Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series #7, Discovery Series #7 is a modest offering that, at $60, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
