Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Bardstown Bourbon Company. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Having reviewed Bardstown Bourbon Company’s products before, I was quite optimistic for what was inside the bottle of their latest Fusion Series, #5. This series leans towards collaboration by combining two of their own mash bills with another Kentucky bourbon of a higher age range.
When I think of a hybrid work environment, open space, bright colors, and energized workers tend to come to my mind. Putting this ideal into place when creating a distillery seems quite the feat. Bardstown has done much to invest in their infrastructure to build an environment where people can come together to create and learn during the crafting process. Along with this, they have built a transparent workspace so the public can witness their process while engaging with the high-tech environment where they can eat, drink, and enjoy the Napa-styled distillery first hand.
Bardstown Bourbon Fusion Series #5 is a blend of three different bourbons: two different Bardstown bourbons of different mash bills (56% 4 year old and 14% 3 year old), with the final 30% comprised of sourced 11-year-old Kentucky Bourbon from an undisclosed source. So, are the collaborative undertones inherent with the Fusion series on target? Or is the desire to be so inclusive with their blending compromising their own flavor profiles? Let’s find out.
Tasting Notes: Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series #5
Vital Stats: This bourbon comes in at 94.9 proof. The a price point is about $60 per bottle. Bardstown Bourbon is located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Appearance: Light blond, with an even viscosity that hangs in sheets.
Nose: Bananas foster with a hint of marzipan hit my nose first. I observed orange peel as the dominant citrus note. Very characteristic baking spices also came through with clove and nutmeg, chased away by a whisper of white pepper for a spicy note on the end.
Palate: Balanced but intense heat presents first as this bourbon hits the tongue. A gentle medicinal note comes forward but is quickly replaced by a note of melted butter. There are some less refined wood notes–like sawdust with a hint of pine. Bright citrus notes and brown sugar take over as the brightness amps up with a bit of spice from white pepper.
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Over ice, many of the less pleasant flavors subside and the more malty and baked goods flavors take front stage. There is cinnamon, and an undertone of dried cherry. Fewer of the leathery or woody notes come out over ice as well.
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