Introduction
Today, we're diving into Old Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This particular bourbon is distilled by the well-known Willett Distillery, a name that carries a lot of weight in the whiskey world. Bottled-in-bond at 100 proof, this bourbon is a budget-friendly option at around $20, making it an interesting choice for those who appreciate value pours. While Willett is known for its distinct "funk" in many of its products, Old Bardstown promises a slightly different experience. We're excited to see if this bourbon lives up to the reputation of Willett's other offerings.
The following review is taken from our episode "Dr. Strangelove / Old Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: The nose here is interesting, but there's definitely some prominent ethanol. It's a cheap 100-proof whiskey, so you're going to get that. However, once you push past the ethanol, there's a lot of artificially sweet cherry. I normally don't do this, but I have to agree with a note I read online describing it as "Fun Dip cherry." If you've ever had Fun Dip candy, you'll know exactly what I mean. It's sugary, sweet, and a bit artificial. I find it intriguing, but the heavy ethanol knocks it down a bit for me. I’ll give it a 6/10.
Brad: I like your notes, Bob, and I agree with the Fun Dip cherry description. The ethanol is definitely strong, but underneath, there’s a mix of classic bourbon vanilla and caramel with a hint of that Willett funk. It’s like it’s trying to be a classic bourbon but also trying to keep a bit of that funky character, and it doesn’t fully commit to either. I’ll give it a 7.5/10 and hope for the best as we continue.
Taste
Bob: My first sip was a bit strange. At first, I didn’t notice much flavor on my tongue, just a vague sour note. But then I swallowed, and suddenly all the flavor exploded on my palate. It’s a really oily mouthfeel, which is nice, but the flavor itself is lacking in character. The sour note tips closer to malt than rye for me, and I’m not sure what to make of it. Overall, I’m not a huge fan of the taste, so I’m giving it a 6.5/10.
Brad: The taste is where this bourbon shows its $20 price tag. There’s some nuttiness and that artificial cherry sweetness, but it also gets a bit grainy and sour. It’s not a bad whiskey, but it’s clearly a budget pour. I’m not as generous as you, Bob—I’ll give it a 5.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish is where this bourbon falls off for me. It gets very sour, grainy, and alcohol-heavy. I almost think this would benefit from being a lower proof, which might bring out some better flavors. As it stands, the oak turns bitter, and it’s not the worst finish I’ve had, but it’s certainly not great. I’ll give it a 5/10.
Bob: I’m with you on this one. The finish doesn’t carry over the sweetness from the palate and instead leans into that sour, bitter note. It’s not terrible, but it’s not enjoyable either. I’ll give it a 6/10.
Balance
Bob: The balance is where things get a bit muddled. The nose set up some expectations that the palate didn’t meet, and the finish just felt off. This bourbon was kind of all over the place, so I’m giving it a 5/10.
Brad: I think the balance is okay, but only because it doesn’t promise much from the start. It’s consistent in its mediocrity, if that makes sense. I’ll give it a 6/10.
Value
Bob: When it comes to value, pricing a bottled-in-bond bourbon at $20 almost guarantees a decent score. You don’t feel like you wasted money even if it’s not the best whiskey. That said, how much better than a six is it? I think 7.5 is fair given the market and its competitors like Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Brad: I’m with you on the pricing, but I think you overthink value a bit. The juice in the bottle is worth the $20, and it’s not going to set you back much to try it. I’ll give it a 6.5/10.
Final Scores
Bob: I’m coming out to a 32.5/50 on this one.
Brad: I’m at a 29/50.
Together, we’re averaging out at a 30.75/50, or 61.5/100. This is one of those bourbons that’s fine for what it is, but it’s not something we’d rush to recommend. If you’re looking for a budget bourbon to mix or want to expand your whiskey experience, it might be worth picking up. But if you’re after something more impressive, there are better options out there in the same price range.
When a whiskey scores in the low 30s, it’s generally a sign that we wouldn’t recommend buying a bottle unless you’re curious about it. For us, anything that hits a 40/50 mark is worth trying at a bar or even picking up a bottle. If you’re just looking for a decent mixer or something new to try on the cheap, Old Bardstown could fit the bill. Otherwise, you might want to save your money for something with a bit more to offer.
