Bardstown Bourbon Co. Copper & Kings Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish

So this is actually my SECOND bottle of this, the first one was sampled out and well frankly I drank it lol. So onto bottle 2...and perhaps a chance to decide if I need a 4th or 5th bottle. Oh quick note, 12 year old MGP, 100 proof, aged 18 months in a sherry cask, I'm assuming first fill. Nose - On the nose right off I get honey, light berry's, rye spice, a bit of waxy/plasticy notes, a firm amount of very neutral oak. This is very sweet with likely a vanilla undertone. The MGP bourbon is mostly muted but that rye note that comes up and gives the fruity flavors a bit of an awkward arrival is almost certainly from that characteristic rye mash on MGP. This is rich, unique, and very special. Taste - The first thing to say is this is a bit drying and as such I think the 100 proof was a good decision. Upfront it's sweet and just sugary with this rush of honey that's had fruits soaking in it. I'm thinking a tart strawberry covered in honey that's been aging in an oak barrel. The finish however is dry, funky notes come out, some rye, some bitter oak, and almost a baby vomit like element has come to mind a few times and I don't have kids so I'm struggling with how or where I'm going here. So overall impression is that this doesn't drink like a bourbon. The sherry casks have absolutely taken over and now the MGP rye and sweetness is working just as a back end platform to show case these casks. It's very tannic likely from the sherry cask, this is both a good and bad thing and I'm having mixed feelings as it adds complexity but does somewhat have off putting moments. I love the fruity sherry flavor, it's really hard to put my finger on it exactly, I just think red berry but muted with oak and honey. So overall this is an incredibly different whisky and it's down right fun and enjoyable. I might have to strongly consider seeing if I can land another bottle...as I think one of the 2 backups I have is spoken for. So score is tough here. I really like it. But there's more to a score than if I like it. I have to consider that this bourbon was overwhelmed by sherry. I have to remember those tannins that over power. I have to debate if the finish is long enough. Is there enough complexity? And in doing that, I have to say this is short of being exceptional. So I'm coming down to a 3.0. I think once you break a 3 for me there needs to be some kind of mix of no flaws and some great notes or a wow factor that overwhelms the flaws. Here I don't think we get there and that's ok. I've been grading a lot more favorable lately I noticed so I'm also trying to get more centered and back to a consistent number. So if good springbank 12 CS's are 3.25 and I think that's fair, this should be a 3.0.

Can easily be loved by bourbon freaks and Sherry bomb lovers alike. Nose: Raisins, Cherries, Pecan Pie, Strawberries, Cinnamon, Walnuts, Cola, Maple Syrup, Root Beer, Dark Chocolate, Oranges, Peaches, Almonds, Violets, Lavender Palate: vanilla, raisins, caramel, almonds, honey, oranges, walnuts, nutmeg, peaches, cherries, maple syrup, shortbread cookies, blackberries, raspberries Finish: Vanilla, Raisins, Luxardo Cherries, Strawberries, Milk Chocolate, prunes, violets, raspberries, strawberries

Not your Grandad's bourbon. The nose is over powered with notes of oak and brandy. It's kinda like taking bourbon and mixing it with red wine. The pallet is again not your traditional bourbon, but pleasing. The finish is sour, sort of like a strong wine. Is it good, yes. Worth 130 bucks? I don't think so. I'd rather see this bottle closer to 70 bucks.

The Bardstown has an amazingly complex nose of honey, leather, and pipe tobacco. And a superb buttery mouth feel, the caramel touch of bourbon in front, with the dried fruit flavors imparted by the sherry behind it and a medium lingering finish.

Damn fine. Wish it was a higher proof. Smooth throughout 86/100

Straight sulfur. A shame because the base whiskey seems nice