By Randall H. Borkus
Rating: A
(Credit: Randall H. Borkus)
Preservation Distillery and Farm is Bardstown’s smallest distillery and referred to as the “hidden gem” of the official “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Preservation is known for pot distillation and micro batches (one to three barrels) with a commitment to exceptional whiskey expressions and ongoing sustainability. he distillery is the first and only wholly pot-distilled producer in the Bardstown area, known to locals as Nelson County.
For the 2025 Christmas season, Preservation released Very Olde St. Nick Christmas Dream Kentucky bourbon. This is a limited release of 8 year old Preservation Distillery bourbon, made with Preservation’s micro-batch, wheat mash bill bourbon. The batch yield was two barrels and approximately 300 bottles, bottled at 56.1% ABV.
I met with Kyle Lloyd, VP/General Manager and Master of Maturation, to discuss the unique flavor profile of Very Olde St. Nick Christmas Dream. Llyod explained, “For years Preservation Distillery has experimented with different levels of toasting and char levels to create the varying flavor profiles within their portfolio.” Though I am not sure the exact barrel specs, I can tell you Preservation Distillery did something very special here with Very Olde St. Nick Christmas Dream for the 2025 holiday season!
The Bourbon
The whiskey color is a deep brown, with a copper tints when held up to the light. The whiskey appears syrupy as it clings to the sides of my Glencairn glass.
The nose is chock full of dark fruits and hard Christmas Candy which reminds me of Christmas candy stocking stuffers from my childhood. On the palate, the mouth feel is creamy, sweet and spicy with layers of cinnamon, toasted brown sugar, lush dark fruits and a hint of English Licorice candy. The finish is juicy, full of sweet toasted brown sugar, cinnamon spice and more hard Christmas candy with sharp oak, earthy musk overtones.
This is truly an exceptional, rich complex Kentucky bourbon whiskey, and for me this is a real wow! I am fortunate that I have a backup bottle, so don’t be shy and ask me to share a pour anytime.
These 750ml bottles are available at a couple of select retailers, 1 West Dupont Circle Wines & Liquors in Washington, DC and The Ballard Cut in Seattle Washington as well as a limited number of bottles available at Preservation Distillery gift shop for $190.00.
