Introduction
This week on Film & Whiskey, we're diving into something special: the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak Bourbon. As the inaugural release in Bardstown’s new Distillery Reserve line, this bottle carries some serious pedigree. It's a blend of five Kentucky straight bourbons, aged between nine and eighteen years, and finished for 14 months in 300-year-old French oak barrels—originally harvested for the Notre Dame Cathedral restoration. Clocking in at 110.1 proof, this release is as much about storytelling as it is about flavor. But does it live up to the hype? Let's find out.
This review is part of our upcoming episode "Moneyball / Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral French Oak Bourbon." Stay tuned for the full episode release!
Nose
Bob: The nose on this is just phenomenal. Right after pouring, it hits with that classic “mature bourbon” scent—deep, rich, and complex without being over-oaked. It immediately reminded me of a well-aged bourbon bomb. As it settled, it morphed into something more nuanced: Coca-Cola sweetness, but deeper, almost like flat root beer or sarsaparilla. It's rich, decadent, and the color is insanely dark. I’m giving this a 9/10.
Brad: I’m right there with you, Bob. For me, it was heavy on cherry licorice, with a little black pepper kick and an orange zest that brightens things up. There’s a hot chocolate powder note layered in with classic caramel and vanilla. Honestly, this is one of the best noses I’ve had on a bourbon in a long time. I feel like I’ve almost given up on bourbon recently, but this pulled me right back in. 9/10 for me.
Taste
Brad: This palate is stunning. It’s oaky but in a smooth, mellow way—not overpowering at all. There’s brown sugar, cinnamon, and that same orange zest from the nose. The best way I can describe it? Think of a rich, creamy crème brûlée with a perfect caramelized top. 9.5/10 here.
Bob: I couldn’t agree more. This is the closest thing Bardstown has made that stands toe-to-toe with big players like Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Four Roses Small Batch Select. It’s super sweet—like natural maple syrup on the tip of the tongue—and there’s a wave of cherry that follows. It’s not the most viscous bourbon I’ve had, but it’s got this electric, prickly feeling on the palate that makes it super drinkable. It’s everything I want in a bourbon. 9.5/10 from me too.
Finish
Brad: The finish is where this really shines. There’s a hefty amount of oak, but again, it’s perfectly balanced. It leans into cigar territory—smooth, rich, and complex. Black pepper and almond extract come through strong, giving it a nutty, spiced profile that’s just awesome. 10/10.
Bob: I got hit with almond right away, and it took me straight to memories of German pastries from Aldi’s German Week—super decadent with layers of raisin and prune. There’s a pastry-like quality here that’s distinctly European. I love it. This is hands down the best finish I’ve had from Bardstown. 10/10.
Balance
Brad: Honestly, I don’t have a single complaint about the balance here. The flavors all play together so well—nothing feels out of place. It’s complex, rich, and every element shines. 10/10.
Bob: The only slight knock I have is the lack of viscosity I mentioned earlier—I wish it lingered just a little longer on the finish. But that’s a small critique in an otherwise stellar whiskey. I’m giving it a 9.5/10.
Value
Bob: Now, here’s where things got wild. MSRP on this is $100. I thought for sure we were talking $160 or more. At $100, this is an absolute no-brainer. It’s easily a 10/10 for value.
Brad: I was fully expecting this to be in the $180 range. The fact that it’s $100? That’s insane. 10/10 from me too.
Final Scores
Bob: My total comes out to a whopping 48/50—I think this is my highest score ever on the podcast.
Brad: And I’m just a hair higher at 48.5/50. That gives us an average of 48.25/50, or 96.5/100.
This is officially the highest-rated whiskey in Film & Whiskey history.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed hundreds of whiskeys on this podcast, but the Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak Bourbon stands out as something truly special. It’s rich, complex, and crowd-pleasing while still offering depth for whiskey nerds to explore. At $100, it offers an unbeatable value. This is the kind of bourbon that you buy, love, and then go buy another bottle before they’re all gone.
If you’re into well-aged bourbons with complex finishes and want something that punches well above its price point, this is a must-have. Honestly, we’re already planning a trip to Kentucky just to get more.
