Bardstown Bourbon Company has become one of the most talked-about operations in Kentucky over the last few years, and their Fusion series is a big reason why. The concept is straightforward but ambitious: blend their own distillate with sourced bourbon from established Kentucky producers, then bottle the result at a respectable proof. Fusion #9 continues that tradition, bottled at 48.4% ABV — a strength that sits in a sweet spot for bourbon, giving you enough weight and intensity without tipping into barrel-proof territory.
What makes the Fusion series genuinely interesting from an educational standpoint is the blending philosophy. This isn't a single-barrel pick or a straightforward age-statement release. It's a deliberate exercise in marrying different whiskey profiles — younger Bardstown distillate alongside more mature sourced stock — to create something balanced and layered. As someone who spent years building cocktail menus around bourbons of varying profiles, I appreciate what that kind of blending demands. Getting the ratios right is harder than most people think.
At 48.4%, Fusion #9 delivers without needing a splash of water, though it certainly opens up with a few drops. The proof point tells you Bardstown isn't trying to chase the cask-strength trend for its own sake. They've chosen a bottling strength that lets the blend speak clearly, and I respect that restraint. Too many producers lean on high proof as a shortcut to intensity. Here, the intensity comes from the blend itself.
Tasting Notes
I'd encourage you to approach this one with an open mind and take your time. Fusion releases tend to reward patience — let it sit in the glass for a few minutes before nosing. At this proof and with this blending approach, expect a bourbon that balances classic Kentucky character with some complexity that goes beyond your typical shelf bourbon. The NAS designation means Bardstown has prioritised flavour over a number on the label, which is the right call for a blended release like this.
The Verdict
At £76.75, Fusion #9 sits in competitive territory. You're paying a premium over everyday bourbons, but you're getting something genuinely crafted rather than simply aged and bottled. The Fusion series has earned its reputation by being consistently good across multiple iterations, and #9 keeps that streak alive. A 7.8 out of 10 feels right — this is a bourbon I'd happily keep on my shelf and reach for regularly. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it executes its vision with real skill. For anyone curious about what modern Kentucky blending looks like at its best, this is an excellent entry point.
Best Served
Fusion #9 is a natural Old Fashioned bourbon. That 48.4% ABV holds up beautifully against a sugar cube and a couple dashes of Angostura without getting drowned out. Keep it simple — expressed orange peel, maybe a brandied cherry if you're feeling generous. The blend's complexity does the heavy lifting, so you don't need to overwork the drink. Equally good neat in a Glencairn if you want to study what Bardstown's blending team has put together. Either way, don't rush it.
