We turn our attention to Bourbon Reviews: Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Series #8 & #9, a release from their most complex release bottled at 57.05% ABV, mash bill: corn, rye, and malted barle. At $139.99/ 750ml bottle, it enters a competitive field.
Nose
This is golden yellow-brown in color with an undertone of saffron. This is golden yellow-brown and just a shade darker than the other. The aromatics on the nose border on savory and earthy. I pick up notes of over-steeped black tea, fry oil, Red Hots, and cantaloupe rind. The chemical notes remind me of freshly laid asphalt. Theres a touch of sliced yellow apples and brown bread. Its pleasant with a splash of homemade root beer in the background. On the nose, I pick up notes of fruit chutney, cinnamon sticks, dried mango, and dried herbs. It tastes more mature and more spice-driven than its sibling. Creamy and voluptuous on the palate with notes of ripe yellow pears, black tea, cinnamon gum and burnt maple sugar. It builds to a pleasant sting as it sits on the tongue. There are notes of toasted brown bread dusted with cinnamon sugar on the finish as it slowly evaporates. It has a sweetness thats not just oaky and a suggestion of warm rye spice. Its hefty, earthy, and sweet without being saccharine. Score: 4/5 Tasting Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #9 Blended Whiskey Vital Stats: A blend of Georgia bourbon, Kentucky bourbon, 17-year-old Tennessee whiskey, and Canadian whisky, 56.25% ABV, mash bill: various, SRP $139.99/ 750ml bottle. Appearance: This is golden yellow-brown and just a shade darker than the other. Nose: On the nose, I pick up notes of fruit chutney, cinnamon sticks, dried mango, and dried herbs. It tastes more mature and more spice-driven than its sibling. Palate: Sweeter and more peppery than its sibling, this is amped up and ready to party. It offers a dash of honey, ginger, and turmeric alongside a more tannic and less viscous mouthfeel. The Tennessee whiskey seems to come out more on the palate, offering notes of dark honey and molasses. Score: 4.5/5 Final Thoughts While the #8 is intriguing, and per the distillery their most complex release, I found myself more interested in sipping the #9, described by BBC as robust, vibrant, one-of-a-kind. These are both very good, and pacified my skepticism about the seemingly randomness of the blends. All Im left to wonder about is what concoction theyll throw together next.
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.
Finish
A blend of a six-, a seven-, and two 12-year-old whiskies finished with staves of double toast French oak, spice rack, high vanilla, Rioja, and charred barrel, 57.05% ABV, mash bill: corn, rye, and malted barley, SRP $139.99/ 750ml bottle. A blend of Georgia bourbon, Kentucky bourbon, 17-year-old Tennessee whiskey, and Canadian whisky, 56.25% ABV, mash bill: various, SRP $139.99/ 750ml bottle.
Verdict
Bourbon Reviews: Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Series #8 & #9 is a modest offering that, at $139.99/ 750ml bottle, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
