Bardstown Bourbon Company has become one of the most talked-about names in American whiskey over the last few years, and their Discovery series is a big reason why. Discovery #13 is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at a punchy 55.4% ABV, and it continues the line's tradition of blending sourced bourbons into something that feels genuinely considered rather than thrown together. I've been following this series since the single digits, and #13 doesn't disappoint.
For those unfamiliar, the Discovery series is Bardstown's flagship blending programme. Each release combines different bourbon stocks — varying mashbills, ages, and barrel profiles — into a final blend that the team believes represents something greater than its parts. It's a philosophy borrowed more from Scotch blending than traditional American whiskey, and it works. The fact that this is a non-age-statement release shouldn't put you off; what matters here is the craft of the blend, not a number on the label.
At 55.4% ABV, this sits comfortably in barrel-proof territory. That's important because it means you're getting the bourbon as the blenders intended — no water added post-blending to soften it down. For a bourbon at this proof, it's remarkably approachable. There's heat, certainly, but it doesn't overwhelm. A few drops of water open it up nicely if you prefer to take the edge off, but I'd encourage you to try it neat first and let it breathe for a few minutes in the glass.
Tasting Notes
I don't have my detailed tasting notes to hand for this particular batch, so I'll hold off on fabricating specifics. What I can tell you is that the Discovery series typically delivers rich, layered bourbon character — think along the lines of dark caramel, baking spices, and oak-driven complexity. At this proof point, expect concentration and depth. The blend is designed to showcase complementary flavour profiles rather than one dominant note.
The Verdict
At £151, Discovery #13 sits in premium bourbon territory, and I think it earns its place there. This isn't a daily drinker — it's a bottle you reach for when you want to sit with something and pay attention. Bardstown's blending team clearly knows what they're doing, and the Discovery series has built a track record of consistency that justifies the price of entry. A 7.7 out of 10 feels right to me. It's a very good bourbon that delivers on its promise without any gimmicks. If you're someone who appreciates the art of blending and wants a barrel-proof bourbon with real substance, this is worth your money.
Best Served
Pour this neat in a Glencairn or rocks glass and give it five minutes to open up. If you find the proof a touch aggressive, add a small splash of water — no more than a teaspoon — and watch it transform. This also makes a phenomenal Old Fashioned if you're feeling generous with your bottle. Use a rich demerara syrup, two dashes of Angostura, and an orange peel expressed over the top. At barrel proof, it stands up to the sweetness of the syrup without losing any of its backbone. That's the kind of cocktail that ends arguments about whether good bourbon belongs in mixed drinks.
