Bottle N30: Bardstown Origin Series Bourbon

advent
whisky
Published

November 30, 2025

Bardstown Origin Series Bourbon

Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Region/Country: Kentucky, USA
Age: 6 years
ABV: 48%
Cask type(s): New charred oak
Grain Bill: 60% corn / 36% rye / 4% malted barley

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: apricot, orange blossom, and mint, layered over caramel, nutmeg, and rich oak.
  • Palate: “Waves of cinnamon and vanilla.”
  • Finish: Bold and lasting signature finish.

What’s a Bourbon?

U.S. federal regulations state that for a spirit to be called bourbon, it must be

  • produced in the U.S.
  • made from a grain mixture of at least 51% corn,
  • aged in new, charred oak containers,
  • containing no other additives,
  • distilled to no more than 80% ABV (!!!)
  • bottled at 40% ABV or more.

Unlike other spirits, there is no minimum aging required for bourbon. A straight bourbon is one that has been aged for at least two years. Typically, the grain mixture is made up of corn, malted barley, and rye or wheat. The corn in the grainbill gives bourbon its characteristic sweetness. Common tasting notes you might find in a bourbon include:

  • Sweet notes like vanilla, caramel, and toffee.
  • Fruity notes such as apple, pear, or dark berries.
  • Spicy elements like cinnamon, black pepper, and clove.
  • Earthy tones such as oak, leather, or tobacco.

Our pick today, the Bardstown Origin Series Bourbon, is an example of a high-rye bourbon. Bourbon made with higher amounts of rye tends to take on more peppery or spicier notes, while bourbon made with wheat tends to be softer, and more mellow.

The First Sunday in Advent - Hopeful Expectation

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”

Prayer

God of justice and peace,
from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness,
that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder
before your marvelous deeds.
Raise our heads in expectation,
that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord
and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.