Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery Series #4

Managed to snag a 100 ml sample of this, not having the bottle in front of me is a bit irksome, but considering it was free, well, let's see what we can see. Lot's of sweet cherry-vanilla and caramel notes, sort of like a sweet Four Roses SB limited and Woodford Double oak combo, just a bit of root beer tone, not as hot-spicy as I would have guessed for the rye, but this is an extremely promising nose. Up front comes the great sugar combo, and wouldn't you know it, the rye spice is right behind, I do note something of a cola aspect in the middle probably a result of the well aged rye portion, but it's a very pleasant and well thought out balance. The sugars are less apparent on the finish with a bit of a warm cinnamon toast lingering at the end. While it is warm like the proof would suggest, I don't get any rough edges of an under aged juice, the aging of the source is readily apparent as even at the high proof it is fantastically pleasant heat going down. This is my first foray into the Bardstown line, and it did not disappoint! The flavors are really kind of astounding, reminds me of a good Old Fitz with an even sweeter front end and a bit more sugar complexity. If you can find it (and at a reasonable price) this is an easy recommend. Cheers!

Neat. Neck pour. So excited. Discovery 3 is amazing and people are saying this is better. Discovery 3 had MGP though and this is all Kentucky bourbon. It is really going to need to be lights out to beat Discovery 3 in my book. The nose is pretty incredible on first impression. Very dark. Chocolate and coffee were the first two notes to hop in mind. Really rich caramel. A medley of fruits - apples, blue berries. It’s getting lighter the longer I sit with it. Lots of spices. Cinnamon, clove, brown sugar. It’s good but a bit muddied, like it doesn’t all fit together. Nice, creamy mouthfeel. Very sweet, vanilla forward on the toward. Powdered sugar too. Transitions to this absolutely fabulous chocolate and caramel combo. Nougat. My god, this is a liquid Snickers now that I am getting a hint of peanuts. Oh my, it’s unrelenting on the finish too. There isn’t a varied journey with this one, the flavors that hit mid palate just never cease. The oak is really coming through now on the finish. Liquid candy. I do miss the MGP, but this is a strong whiskey. I just did a quick comparison and Discovery 3 has the better nose, but Discovery 4 is just more delicious. They both make me happy dance and that is all that matters.

Sweet nose loaded with caramel covered fruits like peach and cherry. Some leather, old oak bookcase, and wood varnish reminds you its mostly 15+ years old. Dark chocolate lingers on the nose too. The blend of fruit and oak are married so well here. Pretty hot entry with dry oak, lots of cinnamon red hots, honey roasted peanuts, coffee, and leather. The sweetness comes after with cherry orange compote, dark brown sugar, and toffee. Good mouthfeel but could have a bit more richness for the age and proof. Finish is smooth as silk. Milk chocolate, coffee, and old oak are prominent. Good length but not exceptional. I sure loved the complex nose and strong flavors, but a lack of richness in the mouth and finish lacked a bit in the complexity department, kept this from being next level. These are nitpicks, however. This is a great whiskey. Maybe not worth the price though

Solid bourbon, never had Bardstown before, heard great things... Just found it in NC. Top Tier for sure, delicate nose, nice oak Influence, typical bourbon notes, strong rye kick, chocolate, berry notes... Medium to long finish. Oaked Candy in a glass is a great description Would rate higher but it’s $139 MSRP. Given what BTAC goes for aftermarket that’s a brilliant price point, almost stacks up (just falling a tad bit short). Given I can get those at retail $99 once In a blue moon or even 12 year EC Bfroof pretty consistently at 59-$69, this keeps me from rating higher. Value has to play a role but don’t pass, it’s great (cork has to be worth $30 lol), don’t overpay or load up. If this were $79-$99 would buy all day but feel they are a bit on high end at $139. I’ll stick to EC 12 year BProof, OF 1920, and JDaniels BP all day and readily available for $59-$69...

Probably my favorite bourbon in my collection right now. You get a little bit of everything: sweetness, nuttiness, oak, and char, and it's all perfectly balanced. Has enough body that it doesn't sip like a young or light bourbon, but not excessive bitterness or tannins. My only complaint is that I only have one bottle.

Nose: this is an oak bomb for me. Vanilla is the second dominant note. If I dig deep I get some peach and black pepper Palate: oak and vanilla continues to dominate. The flavors really pop Finish: a nice long oak finish. A touch of a smoky note then the vanilla to sweeten it up. Every aspect of this was impressive.