Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series #6

The nose is light and has a youthful astringency that starts with a mild spice that fades to fruits of Granny Smith apple and mandarin oranges that transitions to fresh out of the oven pie crust, light floral notes then barrel spices and mild oak with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a thin-medium mouthfeel starting with a mild spice that fades to fruits of Granny Smith apple and mandarin orange peel that then has a medium drying spice that transitions to unfrosted sugar cookies, ginger, cloves, spearmint and mild ashy oak with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with sautéed apples, orange zest, ginger, cloves, spearmint, and mild ashy oak. A very enjoyable pour that suffers from some youthful astringency and a thinner mouthfeel than I’d prefer that makes those traditional bourbon notes light and tame on the taste with a drying spice along with some ashy oak. For the $60 these costs, it’s not a bad purchase, but I’d rather spend the money on a Russel’s Reserve Single Barrel, Four Roses Single Barrel or OF 1920. A big thanks to @ctbeck11 for the generous sample.

Nose: Oak char, leather, citrus(?) Palate: Light mouth feel, warm hug from me first sip, spicy, slightly sweet, citrus from the nose reappears after a few sips. Ahhh... I know what I'm getting: Fruity! Like "fruit punch". Interesting. I've seen that mentioned in reviews for other bottles, but I don't think I have ever gotten it from any of them. I am getting to a point where the need to try EVERYTHING is lessening in importance. I know what I like, and although this is "good", I won't be trying to track down a bottle. As for Bardstown, I'm a fan. But I'm sticking to the Origins Series.

(Comparing to Fusion #2). Bought at Costco - Granger. Color is very similer - medium amber, but smell is much more of a pleasant, salted caramel. “Sultry notes of cigar box, worn leather, split vanilla bean, and brandied cherries invite excessive inhalation. The palate is rich and vibrant with ripe, oily citrus, pie spice, and a bit of lavender. The oak is well-balanced, offering just the slightest astringency on an otherwise lush and lingering finish accented with notes of dark caramel sauce, cocktail cherry, and fudgy brownies”

Light oak, ginger bread, vanilla, baking spices and citrus. Some youth and astringency detracts from an otherwise good, interesting whiskey. Retaste 1-29-22 Astringency is gone, it actually tastes more mature now, quite delicious in fact. Nose and flavor profile remain mostly unchanged, but added some creme brulee. Bumped 1/2 point.

Nose: lots of vanilla, cream, caramel, a hint of butterscotch, and a little bit of dried plum Palate: butterscotch hits right at the front, but then takes an immediate turn to more baking spices and pepper Finish: fairly quick finish with vanilla, fruit (maybe grapes), and some pepper spice

First impression is a nose that’s soft, light alcohol smell but pleasant with a light spice up front when sipped neat but fades too quickly. Overall it’s what I call an ok pour but for the money there’s as good or better pours out there at a cheaper price points.