Review: Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #12
We’re catching up on the 12th edition of the Discovery Series from Bardstown Bourbon Company — as usual a complex blend but one that is built entirely around Kentucky bourbon.
This edition is a blend of four bourbons, with a 14-year-old Kentucky bourbon made from 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley making up 48% of the blend. The remaining whiskeys are a 10 year old Kentucky bourbon of 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley (29%), another 10 year old Kentucky bourbon of 78% corn, 13% rye, 9% barley (29%), and BBCo’s own 6 year old stock made from 60% corn, 26% rye, 10% wheat, 4% barley (8%).
This is a softer expression from the Discovery lineup, its peppery aromas tempered by light almond notes, a healthy amount of barrel char, and a gentle cherry cola element. It’s light on its feet, touched with peanut shells and dark chocolate — the very definition of a mild, easygoing bourbon — which is something of a surprise, given its age.
On the palate, the whiskey has more nuance and intrigue, though the pumped-up abv helps on that front. It’s both fruitier and spicier — more cherry, more cola, more pepper, and more cloves — which makes for both a soothing and more lively experience on the tongue. Notes of dark brown sugar attempt to muscle their way into focus, but a heavier barrel char-driven quality keeps all of this at bay. The finish is where things finally get more interesting, evoking a stronger cherry cola note with an almost brandy-like sweetness to it. All told, however, it’s one of the more pedestrian releases in the series.
115.2 proof.
B+ / $140
Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #12
$140
