To say that we were thrilled to get our hands on another Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve bottle would be an understatement. Historically, these releases have proven to be nothing short of amazing, and this one falls in line with history. We announced the release of this bottle a couple of weeks ago on our website and the official "go live" sale date was Black Friday - November 28, 2025.
There were an estimated 3,000 total bottles produced for this release and it was available only at the Bardstown Bourbon Company gift shop and the Louisville Tasting Room and limited to one per person. This release sold out very quickly and excitement from the two previous Distillery Reserve releases helped fuel that fire. Bardstown left no detail behind on the packaging of this expression. The outer box and "customs" ticket are themed with the Normandie release, further fueling the desirability of this bottle for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The mashbill for this bottle is a blend of two bourbons:
- 13 Years - Corn (75%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%)
- 12 Years - Corn (75%), Rye (21%), Malted Barley (4%)
The higher aged stated bourbon makes up 76% of this bottle while the 12-year rounds out the final 24%. This was finished in Calvados brandy barrels for an impressive 28 months and then took another rest in toasted oak barrels for 4 months. The result is a apricot and slightly red color bourbon with very rich aromas of muddled cherries, red raspberries, baking spices, toasted nuts and vanilla.
On the palate is a warm and welcoming apple crisp initially, followed by chocolate bits and sweet spices against a very polished mouthfeel. The finish lingers for moments and the baking spices and rich fruits become the star of the show. No heat but tons of flavor here!
The Distillery Reserve series will continue into 2026 and beyond and we absolutely love the finishes and incredible blending that Dan Calloway and his team are creating at Bardstown Bourbon Company. If you want to be the first to know about these exclusive releases, check out The Reserve from the Bardstown Bourbon Company.
ABV: 52.1% (104.2 proof)
Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Suggested retail price: $99.99
Drink The Bottles score: 94/100
