Bardstown Rye (750Ml)

Bardstown Rye is the Origin Series Kentucky straight rye from Bardstown Bourbon Company. It is distilled in-house from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The whiskey ages six years in new charred oak. It then spends up to six months in custom barrels built from toasted American oak and cherry wood staves. It is bottled at 96 proof, or 48% ABV.

The brand's notes describe ripe cherry running through toasted oak. White flowers, herbal tea and baking spices sit on top. The cherry wood gives the classic rye spice a softer, fruitier edge without piling on sweetness. Some tasters also find brown sugar on the palate and a hint of citrus on the oaky finish.

Sip it neat or with a large cube to follow the cherry and herbal notes. It also makes a lively Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Pair it with smoked meats, BBQ ribs or a bowl of roasted nuts.

This is a great bottle if you like a dry, spicy rye with some fruit to round it out. It also shows off what a young Kentucky distillery can do with its own spirit.