Old Bardstown Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Let's start with what it isn't - this is not the next undiscovered, bottom-shelf bourbon that tastes like 4 Roses Anniversary or Eagle Rare 17 or Old Fitz Birthday Blend. Not even close. It's also not the next McKenna single barrel success story that is suddenly going to have everyone scouring shelves in FOMO. What it is, is a reliable, affordable, available bourbon that has enough heft to stand out in a mixed drink but is also (marginally) acceptable neat. Same class as Bulleit or Evan Williams BiB, but not as good as Old Forester BiB or Turkey 101. Now the details. Nose is vanilla, candy corn and burnt caramel with ethanol throughout. The nose is preparing you for a hot sip, and it wasn't lying. Palate is thin and starts slightly dry, with a flash of wood tannin immediately transitioning to alcohol burn before calming enough to get caramel and vanilla. Note that the caramel is burnt, and the vanilla is imitation extract, but the flavors are recognizable. Mid-palate turns slightly sweet and throws a few baking spices in the mix, then the heat comes back and closes with the same brief dry tannins from the open. Water mutes all the flavors except the heat, and ice kills all the flavors except the dry tannins. This isn't going to set the world on fire, but it doesn't get lost in a Manhattan or whisky sour, and is the perfect companion for cola or ginger ale. If you're in a bar that has only this, Beam white label and JD #7, this is the best choice.

Another KY exclusive I was able to grab. Tastes a lot like Rowans Creek - lot of cinnamon spice and leather/walnut. But not as good as Rowans Creek. A decent enough whiskey and definitely not bad for the price. But thin, with very little finish (just sweet cinnamon lingers briefly) and drinks a little hot for the advertised 100 proof. Unlike heaven Hill 6 yr, I would not buy this by the case if I ever went back to KY. Probably wouldn’t even buy if it was available here. With that being said, if Rowans creek or Noah’s mill are your favorite bourbons, then this might be a nice alternative to explore especially to achieve a similar flavor profile in cocktails for much cheaper.

#2 of 6 during an evening of tastings. This is a damn fine whiskey for $18. Out of the glass it’s just a bit different from most. There’s masigascar vanilla, some dusty orange liquor (think bitter orange pulled from an old fashion) and nothing off putting from the inviting nose. It has a light body on the tongue and straightforward new oak and vanilla flavors with just a hint of spice toward the short finish to keep it balanced. Of note, this was probably 8 years old and half full in a glass bottle with gold plastic screw top. On the shelf now are black plastic screw tops and who knows how much drift there’s been. For $18 I’d be happy to investigate again.

Nose: very sweet oak and molasses. I also get notes of a light red fruit, maybe an apple. Great nose. Palate: wow..for $30??? Delicious. Notes of sweet honey and graham cracker. Getting some oak on the back eno with a surprisingly long finish. This bottle could be $80 and I would still buy it. First tried this from a friend about a year ago, been looking for one ever since. So glad i finally found one. Great pour.

Nose: very sweet oak and molasses. I also get notes of a light red fruit, maybe an apple. Great nose. Palate: wow…for $30??? Delicious. Notes of sweet honey and graham cracker. Getting some oak on the back end with a surprisingly long finish. This bottle could be $80 and I would still buy it. First tried this from a friend about a year ago, been looking for one ever since. So glad i finally found one. Great pour.

This is a perfecty acceptable bottle at this price point. It’s not a bad, but kinda plain with a bite. This is a great bottle to bring to a party and serve old fashions with. This is worth a try if you are a fan of bottle in bond, but keep your expectations low. Again, at this price point, it’s worth a try.