Bardstown Bourbon Company Single Barrel

Every once in a while, a bourbon reminds you why you fell in love with single barrels in the first place. Not because it’s loud. Not because it’s chasing shock value. But because it quietly, confidently delivers complexity, balance, and craftsmanship in a way that feels effortless. This Bardstown Bourbon Company Single Barrel does exactly that.

A Brief Word on Bardstown Bourbon Company

Founded in 2014, Bardstown Bourbon Company was built with a bold, almost disruptive idea: combine cutting-edge distilling technology with old-school Kentucky know-how, while opening the doors wide to collaboration rather than secrecy. Led early on by industry veterans like Steve Nally—former Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark and a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee—the company quickly established itself as both a world-class producer and a trusted partner to dozens of other whiskey brands. 

Unlike many newer distilleries that focus solely on their own labels, Bardstown leaned into a collaborative distilling model, producing custom mash bills and aging whiskey for more than 30 brands, all while developing its own portfolio. That philosophy—innovation without abandoning tradition—is something I’ve written about before, and it’s palpable when you visit the distillery or taste through their lineup. 

The Tasting: 

Packaged in the traditional Bardstown Bourbon Company rectangular bottle, this bourbon is from a local liquor store pick and was selected by Master Distiller Steve Nally. The label shares that this is made from their high-rye mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. It has aged in Rickhouse E, Floor 1 for 6 years. 

These details matter more than you might think. Floor placement, airflow, and temperature swings all influence maturation, and Bardstown Bourbon Company has been refreshingly transparent about those variables since day one. That commitment to transparency is one of the reasons BBC has become one of the most respected modern distilleries in Kentucky. 

Finally, it has been bottled at a stout 112.4 proof to deliver a deceptively smooth powerhouse.

Eye: Golden honey. Bright, inviting, and just viscous enough to hint at what’s coming without overstating it. You can definitely tell that this one aged on a lower floor as it’s lighter in color than many 6-year-old bourbons.

Nose: Right away, this bourbon leans elegant rather than aggressive. Vanilla and honey lead the charge, followed by herbal tea and a basket of summer fruits. There’s a freshness here—almost airy—that’s not always present in higher-rye bourbons at this proof. Take your time with the nose. It keeps evolving.

Palate: This is where the bourbon really wins you over. Incredibly smooth is not a phrase I use lightly, especially north of 110 proof, but it applies here without hesitation. The palate opens with layered vanilla, then drifts into delicate floral blossoms, apricot, and pear. The fruit notes are expressive but not syrupy, floral without becoming perfumed. What stands out most is the balance. Nothing shouts. Nothing feels rushed. It’s a slow, confident unfurling of flavor that feels far older than its six years.

Finish: Classic Bardstown vanilla returns, now joined by floral notes that gradually give way to a crescendo of spice. The spice builds rather than snaps, and it lingers—long, warming, and remarkably smooth.

Final Thoughts:

That 36% rye immediately tells you this won’t be a one-dimensional sweetness bomb. But what it actually delivers is far more nuanced than the numbers suggest. If you weren’t paying attention, you’d never guess it was 112.4.

This single barrel is a perfect example of why Bardstown Bourbon Company continues to impress seasoned bourbon drinkers and newcomers alike. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It doesn’t chase extremes. Instead, it showcases what happens when thoughtful distillation, intentional aging, and careful barrel selection come together.

For fans of higher-proof bourbon who still value elegance and drinkability, this bottle hits a sweet spot. It’s contemplative without being brooding, flavorful without being fatiguing, and complex without requiring a tasting notebook to enjoy.

If you ever needed proof—pun fully intended—that modern bourbon innovation can coexist beautifully with classic Kentucky character, this bottle makes the case convincingly.