Bardstown Bourbon Co. Collaborative Series Amrut Barrel Finished Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Blended by Bardstown Bourbon Co.
• MASH BILL: Five total in the blend: 2 rye whiskeys and 3 bourbon whiskeys (see detailed blending graphic below)
• AGE: 8, though 9, 10, 11 and 14-year whiskeys are in this blend.
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 110 (55% ABV)
• MSRP: $159.95
• BUY ONLINE: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Online Shop

STEVE’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any fan of bold and complex American whiskeys.

WORTH THE PRICE: It’s pricey, but it is great! A worthy splurge.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle if you so choose.

OVERALL: Strap in, readers, ’cause this is gonna take some ‘splainin.

This whiskey is composed of two Indiana ryes and three Kentucky bourbons. The two ryes were rested for 18 months in Amrut Indian Single Malt Barrels before being blended with the bourbons.

Now, go to a quiet room, add earplugs if necessary, and place a large napkin over your head to capture all the crazy aromas you’ll get from this—things like over-baked chocolate brownies, figs, prunes, bonfire embers, ganache, chocolate cake, pastry cream and a deeply charred barrel. Heck, throw in cherry pipe tobacco and just a hint of peat smoke while at it. It’s all there and more.

It’s deep darkness on the palate. Espresso, figs and raisins lay the groundwork for a wave of baking spices, bitter chocolate and Black Forest cake. It takes a couple of sips to figure out that this is American whiskey in the glass. It’s just so, well, transformed into something otherworldly. I believe this is the finest Collaboration Series whiskey made by Bardstown Bourbon Co. It’s a spectacular example of what great finishing casks and blending can create.

Included in my press kit were the finished whiskey sample, a small bottle of Amrut Indian Single Malt, and a devilishly intriguing chocolate bar made with cardamom, cloves, ginger and mint. The Amrut Single Malt is fabulous all on its own, and tasting it helps the drinker understand its barrel’s understated but genuine influence on the finished whiskey. Bites of the chocolate bar tasted with either whiskey were simply ethereal. I hope that both will come with any bottle of this Collaboration.

BRAND NOTES

Bardstown Bourbon Co. continues to push boundaries through innovation, exploring new flavors in this collaborative release with the Amrut Distillery, trailblazers of authentic Indian single malt whisky. Showcasing imagination, creativity, and the power of global connection, this limited-edition whiskey earned double gold at the 2024 San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition.

TASTING NOTES

Baked cherry, campfire, and vanilla are enveloped by cinnamon and herbal tea. On the palate, waves of ginger and malt lead to a wonderfully complex, lasting finish.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.