Bardstown Bourbon Origin Series
Overall Score: 7.25/10
Overall Value: 4.25/5
Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Release Date: January 2023
Proof: 96
Age: 6 Years
Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Color: Honey
MSRP: $45 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose for the Bardstown Bourbon (Origin Series) opens with light, sweet notes of honey, vanilla, and cinnamon, paired with hints of marshmallow and subtle oak. There’s also a touch of green fruit, like sweet pear or green apple, reminiscent of caramel apple suckers. It’s an approachable nose that keeps you coming back for more as it evolves.
This bourbon offers a classic, light profile with a juicy, smooth mouthfeel. Flavors of sweet pear, browned sugar, and vanilla shine through, balanced by a subtle woodiness. It’s straightforward yet satisfying, with no harsh edges or overpowering char. Perfectly balanced for an easy sip.
The finish mirrors the palate, delivering light sweetness with lingering notes of green fruit, caramel, and oak. It’s not overly complex but the light profile and refreshing flavors make it an excellent warm-weather choice.
Bardstown Bourbon (Origin Series) is a great example of a bourbon that’s both flavorful and approachable. At its $45 MSRP, it’s an easy recommendation for those looking for a smooth, easy-drinking pour. Whether you're savoring it during a brisk fall evening or enjoying it as a summer sipper, this bottle is worth considering.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 5/5
THE NOSE:
I get green fruit like a sweet pear or a green apple.
It also has a browned sugar sweetness of vanilla that reminds me of the caramel apple suckers.
The woodiness is present, but it’s so subtle.
THE TASTE:
This has a light juicy mouthfeel that brings flavor without any heavy handedness.
It’s quite pleasant. I continue to get that green fruit flavor, specifically like a sweet pear. Which works really well with how light the whiskey sips.
There is just a little bit of woodiness to the sip, like being on a walk in the woods on a brisk windy day.
THE FINISH:
The finish doesn’t change direction from the palette, which works very well for the bourbon.
It continues to deliver that green fruit flavor and remains light and sweet.
BUY OR PASS?
I think this would make a fantastic summer sip.
There are not many whiskeys that can present as lightly as this sip does, but yet remain flavorful without any youthy-ness.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The nose brings a nice light sweetness with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of marshmallow and oak.
It’s not super complex or bold, but it’s very inviting, especially with the vanilla that brings to mind sugar or snickerdoodle cookies.
It’s a nose that keeps changing a bit, so definitely worth taking your time with.
THE TASTE:
This has a solid, classic bourbon profile that’s light and smooth, with no harsh edges.
It’s not trying to be overly complex, but that’s not a drawback here.
There’s a good amount of oak, but no heavy char, which I like. It’s straightforward and enjoyable.
THE FINISH:
The finish brings back those nose flavors—vanilla, light caramel, and some oak.
It’s not overly complex, but it’s very satisfying and lingers just enough.
BUY OR PASS?
This bottle is the definition of “crushable.” It’s super easy to sip with minimal harshness and an all-around pleasant experience.
Be careful, though—you might find yourself drinking more of it than planned! I’d also recommend giving it some time between sips to let those flavors shine a bit more.
