Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series 7 - Review

Stats

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Fusion Number 7

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

NAS - 3-12 Year Blended Barrels

98.1 Proof

Distilled in Kentucky

Mash Bill: Various (see below)

Retail Price: $60

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Amber

Nose: Corn and Vanilla forward with Oak and Rye Spices

Palate: Sweet Cream, Butterscotch pushes through to an Earthy, Spicy tone

Finish: Mellow, Easy Sipping with a slightly Warm Spice

Overall: Blending is where I "nerd-out" and this is the prime example. Five different mash bills blended together form this Fusion Number 7. 70% coming directly from Bardstown Bourbon Company and the other 30% coming from two undisclosed Kentucky Distilleries. The marriage of these bourbons is nothing short of art. The flavors mingle so well that it's hard to only sit down once and pick out certain notes. The mouthfeel is exceptional. Those flavors seem to change ever so slightly with each sip which keeps you on your toes. I'm really looking forward to pairing this with a medium-bodied cigar in the very near future.

I have the upmost respect for what goes on behind the scenes at distilleries. The trial and error along with the time devoted to these releases is truly incredible and doesn't go unnoticed. The transparency put forth on the label, only tells part of the story. I had the great pleasure of being given an incredible tour a few weeks ago by Brandon Smith and it opened my eyes even wider to the process and the volume of brown water Bardstown Bourbon Company deals with on a daily basis. From the processes of this top-notch facility to the final product, I'm a fan.

This bottle was a very generous gift from Mr. Smith when taking the tour. This in no way influenced my review or my opinions.

Breakdown of the Blend:

54% BBC 3 Yr - 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

10% BBC 3 Yr - 60% Corn, 40% Rye

6% BBC 3 Yr - 60% Corn, 26% Rye, 10% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley

20% Undisclosed KY 12 Yr - 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

10% Undisclosed KY 12 Yr - 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Library Rating: 8.4 / 10

Puncher's Chance - Review

Stats

Puncher's Chance

Wolf Spirit Distillery - Eugene, Oregon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

NAS - 5-6 Year Barrels

90 Proof

Distilled in Kentucky

Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Retail Price: $35

Poured Neat in a Glencairn

Color: Burnt Amber

Nose: Earthy, Vanilla, Caramel and Baking Spices - primarily Nutmeg

Palate: Vanilla Bean, Black and White Pepper, Molasses, Chewy Caramel

Finish: Medium Linger with an Earthy and Peppery flair on the back end.

Overall: This one is Funky! But in the best way possible. Based on the Mash Bill I can't help but to speculate it is sourced from Wild Turkey. It could also be Jim Beam based on the same investigation but I don't find it to have any of the nutty tones Beam is known for. Regardless of where this comes from, the flavor profile is in my wheelhouse. Certainly a familiar taste and one I enjoy sipping continuously. I always like to mention that I'm not after high proof bourbon, but rather high flavor bourbon. Even at 90 Proof, Puncher's Chance is packed with flavor.

Library Rating: 8.1 / 10

Bardstown Collection - Preservation Distillery - Review

Stats

Bardstown Collection - Preservation Distillery

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

NAS - 5-15 Year Barrels

Preservation Distillery - Bardstown, Kentucky

122.8 Proof

Mash Bill: Various

Retail Price: $199

Poured Neat in a Kenzie Tasting Glass

Color: Tawny

Nose: Creamy Vanilla, Cinnamon, Leather and Toasted Oak

Palate: Rich, Bold Spices, Vanilla Bean, Toffee and Caramel

Finish: Very Pleasant with a Medium Linger. Tobacco and Spices coat the backend of the throat

Overall: Talk about a complex offering. "An amalgamation of rare vintage casks from 5-15 years old each hand selected for its ability to enhance this expression's depth and profile." From start to finish, this release had my attention. Those rich and bold spices I took away on the palate also had the perfect amount of sweetness to create the perfect balance. I can only imagine what the other four distilleries releases for the 2021 Bardstown Collection must taste like.

Library Rating: 8.9 / 10