Bardstown Bourbon Co - Founders KBS Stout Finish
$159
Bardstown Bourbon Co – Founders KBS Stout Finish
Proof: 110
Age: 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey – Finished 15 Months in KBS Barrels
Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company in Collaboration with Founders Brewing
Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Finished in KBS Barrels (Assumed to be sourced from Dickel)
Mash: 85% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Barley
Website: Bardstown Bourbon Company
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Sweet Corn Grain, Cocoa, Orange Peel, Dark Cherries, Musty Oak and Cedar. There’s a portion of the nose that I don’t think will resonate with many, but the nose reminded me of the smell of the gases that are released when a beer is fermenting, brings me back to my old beer brewing days. Overall the nose was my favorite part of this pour.
Taste/Palate: The palate starts out robust. It comes out swinging with the boldest of flavors coming up first. Semi Sweet Dark Chocolate & Cocoa lead the way with a clear indication that there’s alcohol present and a moderate amount of mouth and tongue tingle. In the midpalate you get Tangy Sweet Orange and Dark Cherries. A little Vanilla rolls in as it transitions to the finish.
Finish: In the midpalate and the finish the dram calms down a little. The individual flavors other than Cocoa start to become more discernable. The finish still has noticeable Cocoa and Chocolate, but the Dark Cherries take center stage. At the tail end of the finish the Oak comes forward again and you can pick up a slight Light Roasted Coffee that KBS is known for. If you put this side by side with the KBS beer you can certainly pick up a similar flavor profile.
Verdict: It’s interesting and unique and I can’t say there’s really any pour like it behind my bar. Overall I enjoyed it, but I didn’t enjoy the price tag. I would also consider this on the harsher side at the beginning of the palate. The harshness was something I was not expecting for a 10 year, 110 proof, beer barrel finish. If I see this again I will not be grabbing another to replace this one when it’s finished. For reference, you can pick up George Dickel 15 Year (Where I assume this was sourced from) for $59. This is a 10 year sourced juice, then placed in KBS barrels for another 15 months. To me that doesn’t add an additional $100 in value.
MSRP: I don’t recommend this at it’s current MSRP ($160) Price Ceiling: $75 (The most I’d pay for this).
The Story: I rolled my eyes when I saw that a private capital firm (Pritzker) recently purchased Bardstown. Maybe the investment firm really liked Bardstown’s already top of the tier price point or they are getting into the bourbon craze. I’m not sure. But mainly, I rolled my eyes because I’m not a fan when non-alcohol industry entities purchase into the industry. In my experience outside pricing, methodologies, processes, etc. that are used in other industry settings are applied to something that maybe takes more care. I won’t let my opinion on this cloud my judgement for reviews, but this is my public statement that I am weary of these types of partnerships. I understand that many of our favorite distilleries are owned by some higher liquor conglomerate, but at least its in the same business genre.
Just so you know I’m being fair on Bardstown in General. Feel free to see my review on Fusion # 5. I was not a fan and that was my first Bardstown Purchase. I revisited Bardstown with their Triple Stave Blend and loved it. I call it like I see it. And once again, to be clear, I didn’t hate this pour, just the price.
If you’ve read this far you might be wondering why I jumped on this price grenade. First, I’m a big fan of Founders. I like their beer. I’m very much into Bourbon Barrel finished beer. Second, I was seeing a lot of hype about this bottle and many have said “it’s so awesome”. Other’s have said “it’s not worth the price”. Ok I’ll bite. I didn’t search out this bottle. I happened to be in a local frequent store of mine and the owner recognized me and pulled it out from the back. I figured it was fate, I’ll give it a try. Long story long I agree with the folks that have stated “it’s not worth the price”.
The Distillery’s Story: The about section on Bardstown distillery is short. A picture of the distiller makes it look brand new, like you could eat off the flood. Similar to Angel’s Envy. I did 5 minutes research to see what popped up on the first page of google and I believe all that I can come up with it Bardstown was founded in 2014… I think. They are on the Kentucky Bourbon trail (I have yet to visit) and they have contributed mash bills to brands like Belle Mead, Jefferson’s, & High West to name a few.
Most of their high ticket bottles appear to be sourced from multiple distilleries. Their expertise seems to be founded on their ability for selection and blending, similar to Barrell Bourbon. This isn’t an issue, but you have to deliver time and time again to warrant such a top tier price tag. I’ve found Bardstown to be hit or miss which keeps my wallet in my back pocket most of the time regarding their releases. I have found that one of their series that delivers more frequently is their Discovery Series.
They are all about innovation and bringing in experience. Their executive team has a very impressive resume and I expect many new, fun, additions to their line up. They have a following and I’ll be observing as a fly on the wall for the time being.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Solid. It hit all of what’s expected.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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