Fusion Series #8

The Basics:

70% 4-Year Bardstown Distillate (two mash bills) and 30% 12-Year KY Distillate (sourced)

95.5 Proof

$65 MSRP

Nose:

Peanut, grapefruit, and lemon curd.

Palate:

Brown sugar, strawberry Pop-tart, peanut, and raspberry.

Finish:

Medium finish with roasted chestnuts, allspice, and lemon peel.

Fusion Series #9

The Basics:

70% 4-Year Bardstown Distillate (two mash bills) and 30% 12-Year KY Distillate (sourced)

96.8 Proof

$65 MSRP

Nose:

Toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, sweet baking spice, cheesecake, and vanilla.

Palate:

Poundcake, raspberry sorbet, butterscotch pudding, and a hint of lemon.

Finish:

Medium-long finish with tart cherry and nutmeg.

Final Thoughts:

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Fusion series line represents the blend of both Bardstown’s own distillate, and those sourced from other distilleries. These two whiskies represent not only the 8th and 9th iterations of the series, but also the final releases of Fusion. After the launch of series 9 this fall, Fusion will be discontinued to make room for the launch of Origin, a blend of only Bardstown distillate. With that said, let’s move into the review. Series #8 takes on a nuttier profile with peanuts on the nose and palate, followed by chestnuts on the finish. These flavors are complimented with hits of citrus and even a note of strawberry Pop-tart on the palate. Series #9, albeit the same age, has a more mature flavor profile with dark and rich sweetness throughout. Toasted marshmallow on the nose leads into rich poundcake, butterscotch pudding, and a refreshing tart cherry on the finish. Overall, while both blends are enjoyable, I find myself reaching for series 9 far more than 8.