Bardstown Bourbon Company, a large scale producer of bourbon, rye and American whiskey in Bardstown, Kentucky will again stretch the boundaries of whiskey by going small with its latest collection, Distillery Reserve. Each expression in this new limited-edition collection will feature a distinct exploration of what’s possible in whiskey. The Distillery Reserve collection offers one-time releases fueled by creativity and innovation, exploring wood, recipe, age, finish and blend.
Cathedral French Oak Finish: 9–18-Year-Old Bourbons Finished in 300-Year Old French Oak
The inaugural release, Cathedral French Oak Finish is a tribute to history, artistry, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship. Rested in barrels made of 300-year-old French oak from the storied Bercé Forest, this plot of ancient trees was harvested to restore the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris following the fire of 2019. Their intricate grain and unparalleled density infuse the whiskey with a character as profound as the history they represent. The result is a spirit that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, honoring the cultural legacy of France while showcasing the best of American whiskey.
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With small scale innovation and the ability to experiment freely, Distillery Reserve is the embodiment of Bardstown Bourbon’s ethos “Never Stand Still.” Ranging from two to nine barrels, these releases bring to the public for the first time, selections from hundreds of experiments that explore flavor through wood, aging, finishing and blending techniques.
“The core of our brand has always been innovation, transparency and collaboration but these values mean little without respecting and building on the foundation of tradition,” said Dan Callaway, head of new product development for Bardstown Bourbon Co. “Distillery Reserve expresses that reverent, yet pioneering spirit, offering us a platform to showcase immense creativity and house some of the experiments tucked throughout our warehouses.”
Cathedral French Oak is a Study in Old Whiskey, Old Wood and Long Finishing
Distillery Reserve will commence with Cathedral French Oak, a whiskey with a story as rich and complex as its flavor profile. This blend of 100 percent Kentucky bourbons, aged between 9 to 18 years then finished for 14 months in barrels made of 300-year-old French Oak from the legendary Bercé Forest in the Loire Valley.
This plot of giant trees, planted during the reign of Louis XIV (circa 1715), was harvested to restore the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris following the fire of 2019. Their intricate grain and unparalleled density, strong enough to restore the Cathedral’s famed spire, infuse the whiskey with a character as profound as the history they represent.
“These truly singular barrels brought tremendous character to the bourbon. The key was to integrate the commanding barrel flavor with a powerful blend of long-aged bourbons to achieve the balance that lets each part shine,” said Callaway. “This exquisite whiskey is a most devout showcase of the cultural legacy of France married to the pioneering spirit of American Whiskey.”
The resulting union presents waves of maple, baked cherry, cinnamon, and cedar, harmonizing with notes of vanilla cream and rose petals. Toasted oak and crème brûlée create a rich, round palate leading to an extraordinary, lasting finish.
Distillery Reserve – Cathedral French Oak Details
Name: Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish
Proof: 110.1 (55.05% ABV)
SRP: $99.99
Format: 375 mL
Finishing: Finished for 14 months in 300-Year-Old French Oak Barrels, sourced from the iconic Tonnellerie Baron Cooperage. Certified by ONF (Office National des Forêts). Oak saplings were planted to replace each of the harvested trees.
Blending Details
| % of Blend | State of Origin | Age | Mash Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45% | Kentucky | 14 Years | 75% Corn 13% Rye 12% Malted Barley |
| 37.5% | Kentucky | 18 Years | 74% Corn 18% Rye 8% Malted Barley |
| 10% | Kentucky | 11 Years | 78% Corn 13% Rye 9% Malted Barley |
| 5% | Kentucky | 9 Years | 75% Corn 13% Rye 12% Malted Barley |
| 2.5% | Kentucky | 17 Years | 78% Corn 10% Rye 12% Malted Barley |
Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak is presented at 110.1 proof (55.05% ABV) and will be available in limited quantities for $99.99 starting February 28,2025, exclusively at the distillery’s gift shops in Bardstown and Louisville beginning on February 28. Each Distillery Reserve bottling is packaged as a 375 mL.
Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of making great whiskey. With the most modern, technically advanced whiskey distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Co. combines distillation and spirited hospitality into a modern, authentic bourbon experience unlike any other on the Kentucky Bourbon TrailTM. Named 2023 Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year by IWSC and boasting the highest rated bourbon in the world, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is working to push the entire industry in a direction that is more innovative, more transparent and more collaborative. Bardstown Bourbon Co. is a top 10 distiller in the U.S.
Learn more about Bardstown Bourbon Company.
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