Bardstown Bourbon Company has become one of the most talked-about names in Kentucky whiskey over the past few years, and for good reason. Their approach to blending and sourcing has produced some genuinely impressive releases. This Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, bottled at 48% ABV, is one I've been keen to get my hands on — and having spent some proper time with it, I can tell you it delivers.
First things first: this is a rye whiskey from a distillery that built its reputation on bourbon. That matters. Bardstown Bourbon Co operates out of one of the most modern distilleries in Kentucky, and they've invested heavily in the kind of infrastructure that lets them experiment with grain bills, fermentation, and maturation in ways that older operations sometimes can't. A rye from this team carries a certain expectation of craft and precision, and at 48% ABV, they've chosen a proof point that gives the spirit room to speak without burning the conversation down.
There's no age statement here, which at the £80.95 price point is worth acknowledging. NAS releases always invite scrutiny, but in this case I think the proof and the quality of the liquid justify the ask. Bardstown has earned enough trust that I'm willing to judge what's in the glass rather than what's on the label. And what's in the glass is good — genuinely good.
Tasting Notes
I don't have my detailed tasting notes to hand for this one, so I'll hold off on breaking down nose, palate, and finish in the usual way. What I can say is that this is a Kentucky Straight Rye that sits firmly in the spice-forward camp, as you'd expect from the category. At 48%, it's got enough weight to stand up in cocktails but enough balance to reward neat sipping. The Kentucky Straight designation tells you it's been aged a minimum of two years in new charred oak, and the mashbill will be at least 51% rye grain — both of which shape the character you'll find here.
The Verdict
I'm giving this an 8 out of 10. Bardstown Bourbon Co's rye is a confident, well-made whiskey that punches at its price point. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel — it's trying to make a really good rye, and it succeeds. The 48% ABV is a smart choice: it's high enough to carry flavour without being aggressive, which makes this incredibly versatile. Whether you're someone who geeks out over mashbill percentages or you just want a solid rye on your shelf, this bottle earns its place. At just over £80, it's competing with some serious names, and it holds its own comfortably.
Best Served
This is a Manhattan rye through and through. The proof is perfect for standing up to sweet vermouth without bulldozing it — try a 2:1 ratio with a quality Italian vermouth and a couple of dashes of Angostura. Stir it properly, strain it into a chilled coupe, and express an orange peel over the top. If you're drinking it neat, give it five minutes in the glass before you start — it opens up noticeably with a little air. Either way, you're in for a good time.
