Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Rye Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes

The Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the country's largest and most sophisticated distilleries. It released its first estate-distilled collection of whiskies in early 2023. Bardstown Bourbon Company finally has its in-house distilled Rye. The company uses custom barrels of alternating toasted American oak and cherry wood staves to create their new Origin Series Rye.  Described as a "zebra barrel," the finishing casks from West Virginia Great Barrel Company comprise one light-toasted cherry wood stave, one medium-toasted cherry wood stave, and one American oak stave repeated until they form a complete vessel. Precise infrared light is used in place of fire for the toasting period, taking more time (about 15 minutes as opposed to several seconds) while imparting fewer tannins and a more even toast for each stave.  The finishing period varies greatly, anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, before being bottled at 48% ABV.