Bardstown Bourbon Company Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Toasted Cherry Wood and Oak Barrels The Prime Barrel x R-Bourbon Pick

We recently made our way back to Bardstown Bourbon Company on an early spring day, and let me tell you, it was an experience. With seven members in tow, we were on a mission to pick out a single-barrel finished rye that stood out from the crowd.

If you haven't been to the BBC campus, it's something special. Built-in 2016, it's a modern gem among Kentucky distilleries. We started things off with a lunch at their Kitchen and Bar (highly recommended) and then got a full tour, complete with the history of how they've grown. The highlight, though, was getting to taste and select our barrel in a cozy private bar, where we were joined by Nick Smith, BBC's Director of Distillation and Head Distiller.

We tasted rye barrels similar to those in BBC’s Origin Series, with a 95% rye/5% malted barley mashbill. After aging in new charred oak for six years, they were re-barreled in unique finishing barrels made of toasted cherry wood and oak for another eight months. These barrels aren't your usual fare—they’re constructed in a cool zebra pattern and get an infrared toasting instead of a traditional char, which brings out deep flavors without too much tannin.

We had four barrels to choose from, and after many back-and-forth, two stood out. Barrel 1 had this light toast with more fruity and floral notes, while Barrel 3 leaned into the classic spicy, peppery rye vibes. Ultimately, we went with Barrel 1 because it wasn’t your everyday rye—the fruity influence from the finishing barrel made it shine.

Nick Smith was all in on our choice, too, noting that Barrel 1 had the best nose and a sweet, floral profile he’d love to take home. It’s got a nose full of spearmint, citrus, and spiced apple, with a palate that’s sweet, a little floral, and even has a hint of cinnamon roll icing. The finish is long and smooth, with caramel, pie spice, and just the right amount of peppery kick at the end.

This could be your jam if you're into trying something a little different. It’s got that unique twist without losing the rye character we all love.

Key Details:

• Mashbill: 95% Rye / 5% Malted Barley
• Age: 6 years in new charred oak, plus 8 months in light toast cherry and oak finishing barrel
• Proof: 119.8

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Spearmint, citrus, orange peel, rye spice, baked apple, brown sugar, cinnamon
• Palate: Sweet, floral, fruity notes, cinnamon roll icing, oak, trace of coffee
• Finish: Long, with sweet caramel, pie spice, menthol, peppery apple cider