For their latest Barrel Finish release (formerly the Collaborative Series), Bardstown Bourbon Co. explored the impact of traditional single malt casks on one of their bespoke blends of well-aged bourbon and rye whiskey. We’re having plenty of conversations these days about American single malt, but the use of traditional single malt casks to finish American whiskeys is a somewhat rarer concept. When it has been done, peated whiskey casks from Islay have often been the preferred choice for the unmistakable smoky character they impart. Bardstown Bourbon Co., however, was apparently not looking for smoke when it selected the casks for this release from the lone distillery on the Isle of Jura.
The Jura Distillery sits just across a narrow waterway from Islay, home to some of the world’s best-known peated whisky makers, but Jura itself uses little to no peat in its production. A small peated component was incorporated into its program in 2018, presumably predating the filling of the ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks that eventually made their way to Bardstown for this release. For a whopping 32 months, those Jura casks held a bespoke bou-rye blend: 70% Indiana- and Kentucky-sourced bourbon blended with 30% Indiana-sourced rye (the 95/5 kind), all aged between 10 and 12 years. This one has generated plenty of buzz already this year, so let’s see what all the fuss is about.
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish Review
This is immediately an engaging and unusual bourbon. And it’s one of the more nuanced Bardstown Bourbon Co. finishes I’ve tasted, delivering layers of complexity that emerge the longer it sits in the glass. The nose is honeyed and malty, with top notes of dried currants, lemon peel, and barley sugar. The rye-forward bourbon blend is expressive, offering citrus, dried herbs, peppercorn, and even the telltale dilly notes you often find in 95/5 rye. But laced throughout that somewhat familiar bouquet is an equally expressive Scotch dimension, layering on notes of nougatine, oatmeal raisin cookies, and warm barley to create something altogether unique and memorable.
The palate delivers a noticeable malt influence right away, with dense, biscuity notes of brown sugar oatmeal, gingersnaps, and Christmas cake. It’s not a scorcher in terms of proof, but there’s plenty of peppery warmth, especially on the midpalate, where the bou-rye blend complements those malty notes with clove, cinnamon, and subtler pickling spice. The diversity of oak is nicely integrated, as well, with the chocolate and vanilla notes of the bourbon and rye barrels melding with softer hints of nutty sherry, wood smoke, and old dunnage from the Scotch casks.
This isn’t a shy whiskey, despite its modest proof, with a budding sweetness and spice that builds across the sip. Toffee and Fig Newton notes on the midpalate become increasingly honeyed and sugary on the long finish, adding intensity to a final flourish of baking spice and fading notes of graham cracker, marmalade, and Cracker Jacks that linger with an easy warmth. Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish nails the fusion of New and Old World whiskeys. The hype is very real.
104 proof.
A / $140 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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