Bardstown Collaborative Series Founders Bourbon Whiskey

Savor this innovative series version with Founder’s Brewing Co. release — 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon finished for 15 months in Founder’s KBS Stout barrels.

Bottled at a respectable 55% ABV, this is a great chapter from Bardstown Bourbon Company. This release features 10-year-old Tennessee Bourbon finished in a Kentucky Breakfast Stout barrel from Founder’s Brewing in Grand Rapids.

KBS has long been a notable release in the beer universe - the stout is coffee and cocoa infused before aging in ex-bourbon barrels. Stout finished whiskey are often polarizing among critics and enthusiasts alike, so let's dive in and see how it fares.

The Collaborative Series marks exclusive offerings of extremely limited bourbons finished in wine, brandy, beer and other spirits barrels. Prior releases include Phifer Pavitt, The Prisoner, Copper & Kings, Maison Ferrand and more. This collaborations are an expression of the commitment to community and alchemy. Bardstown Bourbon Company is a neutral ground for the sharing of ideas and best business practices in distilling, the culinary arts and hospitality.

Bardstown brings together bourbon and Founders KBS Stout. Considering this starts with a 10 year old Tennessee bourbon (presumably distilled by Cascade Hollow/George Dickel based on the mashbill) and then finishes it for a long 15 months in ex-KBS barrels, it shows no obvious signs of Dickel bourbon or KBS stout.

Tasting notes:

A compelling blend of rich cocoa, orange peel, and roasted malt leads to dark chocolate, hazelnut, and black cherry on the palate. A warm, inviting finish rounds out this superb winter pour.

Nose: Sweet and malty on the nose, lots of cocoa, espresso, cinnamon and a touch of praline.

Taste: Rich on the palate, a touch of oak. Bold and viscous, loads of stout character that melds nicely with the whiskey presence. Cocoa, espresso, and maple candies are prominent on the palate. ABV is well placed, lots of brownie, rising bread and cocoa.

Finish: Long finish, a great blend of tannin, bourbon character, and some malty stout character here. Each stop before becoming overbearing - expert balance.