Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series #1

I felt lucky I was able to acquire this bourbon because (1) it's not available in my state, (2) a high-demand item that sells out quickly, and (3) was on sale for $5 off their price. Popular opinion or not, I'll just say it... It's not worth the price tag. For a bourbon that retails at $60, I expected a more full, rich, thick, and spicy palette in league with single barrels, cask strengths, barrel proofs, or non-chill filtered types. And if I'm not mistaken, this isn't even any of those types... just a plain blended bourbon. The fact they use an 11-yr old blend still doesn't justify because there are other brands that blend 16-yr old bourbons, for example, with a lower price tag. Not considering any details above, however, if I were handed this drink, I'd be very delighted and enjoyed it. It is good. If asked how much I thought a bottle would be, I would have ranged it at $35-$45, though.

Just got back from a distillery tour and lunch at the bottle and bond restaurant at the distillery. We got a taste of this on the tour but it was after two of their white dogs and a 120 proof version of their high rye component. Tasting what might be a nice 98 proof offering after high proof new make just does not work. The 120 proof high rye shows promise so, I tried it in a flight at lunch. My taste buds have settled down a bit and the nose of pecan pie that others have noticed holds true. It's likely from the high rye component because that aroma was fairly intense there earlier. on the palate, it shows sharp youthful elements of unresolved oak tempered by some caramel from the older stock. Flavors are soft and the finish short. I expect a lot more from a $60 bourbon but I also believe BBC will be putting out some world class stuff in a few years

The gift shop was providing free samples of the distillery's brand-new "Fusion" release, which melds together some of their first barrels of two-year-old juice (60%) with a much older, sourced 11-year, 7-month old bourbon (40%). The detail level of my notes drops off late in the day, particularly after trying so many excellent whiskies, but I did note that this new release exhibited a surprisingly creamy texture with mature, rich flavors, and a mule kick's worth of rye spice at the tail end. The older bourbon in this release melded beautifully with the youthful, vibrant, barely-there bourbon that makes up the majority of the blend. I liked it a lot! At $60, the price is a little steep, but it offers a chance to try one of the first efforts from one of bourbon country's most promising newcomers.

Was gifted to me by my mother in law who grew up in Bardstown. Orange’ish amber with quick legs. I really like the aroma on this one - it’s basically a nose full of sweet oak. Second whiff reveals a little crem brûlée, tobacco leaf and a hint of leather. Body is medium to light. The youthful juice hits the front of the tongue with smooth bits of vanilla and cola and by the back is more zesty with caraway, nutmeg, oak and some earthy banana/tobacco funk coming back. The finish is shorter than I prefer but pleasant. Overall it’s a good blend of the old and new. The young juice makes for a sweet nose with the older juice bringing along a little complexity. This is no gobstopper but is dang good.

Nose: spicy, with hints of cream and zesty citrus, butterscotch, cherries Palate: spicy caramel, fruits Finish: more fruits and some cinnamon. Shirt to medium finish This bourbon reminds me of something, but since this is my first tasting I will reserve judgement. It’s pleasantly complex. I’m glad to see more bourbon blends hitting the market. Some of the Barrell Bourbon offerings were great. I will say that if you enjoyed the discontinued Ancient Ancient Age 10-year or Barton Bottled-in-Bond— also discontinued — you’ll definitely dig this.

Nose is filled with hints of sweet raisins and cherries. Lemon zest is faint in the background. Palate is salty caramel with a huge wave of vanilla spice. Spice is dominant. Finish is medium length and flashes some leather, sweet cream and cherry coke, then more leather. Mouthfeel is excellent. Need to be open minded with this one as it’s unique and inviting. The spice is upfront but transitions to lovely but medium length finish. Great new blended bourbon that I would gladly purchase again.