Country: USA - Kentucky
Producer: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Type: Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Mashbill: See review
Age: 9 yr (9 to 18 yo)
Cask: American White Oak / French Oak Finish
ABV: 55.05%
Proof: 110
Price: $99.99
Nose: Dark honey, blackberry, vanilla, leather, tea tannins, iced thai tea
Palate: Butterscotch, cinnamon, caramel bar, plums, aged leather, toasted almonds
Finish: Dry, ginger, cinnamon bark, quince, dark chocolate
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to visit Louisville for World Whiskies Awards America 2025. That night, I was honored as Communicator of the Year at Icons of Whisky 2025. However, that wasn't the only highlight of my trip. Earlier that morning, I was invited to visit the incredible Bardstown Bourbon Company, which also claimed numerous awards that night, including Distiller of the Year, Brand Innovator of the Year and Visitor Attraction Team of the Year. Well, I witnessed them all that morning. The beautiful facilities, driven by great craftsmanship and engineering, Bardstown gave me an incredible understanding of how they are changing the bourbon industry. Though, one thing I couldn't experience was a whiskey in the final process of making, the Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish.
Being a Brand Innovator
Being a brand innovator is not an easy task. Looking at the whisky history, there are a few true innovators that changed the course of whisky making. Some examples are known as Compass Box, bringing in transparency into Scotch whisky blending, Westland and Westward by spearheading the American Single Malt category, Laphroaig and Ardbeg by making peat a part of daily imbibing. What Bardstown Bourbon Company did in the last years is quite similar too. They introduced different finishings to their bourbons like Cognac finish, wine finish, even Indian single malt whisky, Amrut finish. They also kept their transparency at a very high level.
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Making of Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish
The Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish marks the beginning of Bardstown Bourbon Company's Distillery Reserve series. Distillery Reserve releases are available exclusively at the distillery’s gift shops in Bardstown and downtown Louisville, with each being a one-time-only release. This particular release is available exclusively in 375mL format just like you see in the photos.
The first release is a homage to history, artistry, and the timeless dedication to craftsmanship. On top of the initial aging, the blend was finished for 14 months in 300-year-old French oak barrels sourced from the legendary Bercé Forest in the Loire Valley. These ancient trees were originally selected to help restore Paris' iconic Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire. Their dense, intricate grain imparts a depth of character as rich as the history they embody. The result is a whiskey that masterfully bridges tradition and innovation, paying tribute to France’s cultural heritage while elevating the artistry of American whiskey.
Like all the whiskies I tried from Bardstown Bourbon, the ages and recipes are given transparently too! All whiskies being 100% Kentucky straight bourbons, the blend consists of:
- 45% - 14r - 75/13/0/12
- 37.5% - 18yr - 74/18/0/8
- 10% - 11yr - 78/13/0/9
- 5% - 9yr - 75/13/0/12
- 2.5% - 17yr - 78/10/0/12
This blend of old Kentucky straight bourbons is aged further in the Cathedral French oak with the specifications below:
- Finished for 14 months
- 300-Year-Old French Oak Barrels, sourced from the iconic Tonnellerie Baron cooperage
- Certified by ONF (Office National des Forêts)
- Oak saplings planted replace each of the harvested trees
Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve: Cathedral French Oak
Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral French Oak Tasting Notes
This whiskey opens with rich aromas of dark honey, leather, ripe blackberry, and vanilla, layered with tannic notes of black tea and a hint of sweet iced Thai tea.
On the palate, it delivers a dry yet complex profile, with warming ginger, cinnamon bark, leather and the depth of dark chocolate and quince.
The finish lingers beautifully, unfolding into butterscotch, caramel bar, and toasted almonds, with a final touch of spiced plum and cinnamon.
A bold and refined expression that balances sweetness, spice, and depth.
Verdict
Exceptional innovation from this brilliant company once again. On top of their Amrut and Silver Oak projects, they are raising the bar higher with the Cathedral Frenc Oak Barrel Finish. Unfortunately, you can't get a bottle easily online, but good news is you can taste more of their offerings when you get a bottle from their gift shops in Louisville or at the distillery in Bardstown.
By the way, the media package we got was in the shape of a cathedral window, and it was an art piece itself. Check it out!
