Bourbon began as a smart use of corn and barrels; over time, Bardstown became one of its key homes. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, we keep that lineage in view. We run multiple Vendome column stills with precise, modern controls. Fermentation is dialed in, and oak work is targeted only where it sharpens consistency and flavor clarity. This guide explains how to drink bourbon whiskey in a way that’s easy to follow and simple to repeat.
What Sets Bourbon Apart
To be legally recognized, bourbon must follow six strict rules:
- Made in the United States
- At least 51% corn in the mash
- Aged in new, charred American oak
- Distilled at no more than 160 proof
- Barreled at 125 proof or lower
- Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof
These standards allow bourbon to showcase an impressive spectrum of aromas, flavors, and distinctive character.
Meet the Origin Series
Bardstown’s core lineup gives you four distinctive ways to make the drink your own.
Origin Series Bourbon
Caramel, vanilla, and baking spice lead to a classic, balanced drink. Use demerara syrup and Angostura bitters for extra warmth and depth.
Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
At 100 proof, it brings backbone and lift. A touch more syrup smooths the heat and spice for a bold, even pour.
High Wheat Bourbon
Soft, creamy, and round from the wheat-forward mash bill. Orange bitters and a lighter hand with syrup keep it bright and easy to drink.
Double Barreled Rye
Finished in toasted cherry wood and oak barrels for up to 6 months; estate-distilled, 6 years. Chocolate or cherry bitters highlight fruit and spice; a small amount of syrup preserves its snap.
How to Taste Bourbon (A Quick, Repeatable Sequence)
Use this quick sequence to taste bourbon whiskey with clarity:
- Glass: Use a Glencairn or small rocks glass.
- Nose: Hover just above the rim and take short, gentle breaths.
- Sip: Take a small orientation sip; on the next, focus on texture and flavor.
- Adjust: If ethanol feels loud, add a few drops of water. Prefer colder? Use one large cube.
- Finish: Note what lingers and for how long. A few short notes: aroma, palate, finish are enough.
Bourbon Tasting Tips for Consistency
For steady, repeatable results, stick to these basics:
- Flight order: Taste from gentler to bolder: High Wheat → Origin Series Bourbon → Wheated Bottled-in-Bond.
- Temperature: Keep bottles near room temperature for clearer aroma and flavor.
- Water: Use filtered, room-temperature water; add by drops, not splashes.
- Ice: Choose one clear, dense cube; it melts more slowly and preserves definition better than several small cubes.
Common Mistakes (And Simple Fixes)
To keep your tasting on track, watch for these common mistakes and apply the quick fix:
- Too much ice = thin flavor. Use one large cube.
- Sugary mixers bury nuance. Taste neat or with water before mixing.
- Skipping aroma leaves half the story untold. Always nose first.
- Tasting one bottle in isolation slows learning. Brief flights teach faster.
Plan a Focused Tasting
Here’s a clear way to plan your visit using what Bardstown Bourbon Company offers at both campuses.
Pick Your Location
- Bardstown campus: Distillery tours, a glass-walled rickhouse, and the Kitchen & Bar. The Visitor Center is open most days; no tours on Mon–Tue.
- Louisville Tasting Room (730 W Main St., Whiskey Row): Guided flights, immersive education, and cocktails in a modern space.
Choose by Goal (Time & Price)
Bardstown
- Core Four Tour (1 hr, $24)
- Rickhouse Barrel Thieving (1 hr, $30)
- Shaken & Stirred (1 hr, $55)
- Art of Blending (1 hr, $55)
- Behind the Scenes (3.5 hrs, $60)
- Tour with the Master (2 hrs, $95)
- Bourbon & Bites (1 hr, $50)
Louisville
- Origin Series Experience (45 min, $25)
- Expedition Bardstown (45 min, $35)
- Single Barrel Experience (75 min, $35)
Plan Your Day
- Bardstown: Morning Core Four Tour → lunch at the Kitchen & Bar → afternoon Rickhouse Barrel Thieving or a hands-on class.
- Louisville: Book Origin Series Experience + Single Barrel Experience back-to-back for a complete tasting in ~2 hours.
Pro tip: Arrive a little early, use water between pours, and leave time for the shop, single barrels, and seasonal releases to rotate.
Find Your Flavor
If you’re learning how to drink bourbon whiskey, start with a three-pour flight: High Wheat, Origin Series Bourbon, and Wheated Bottled-in-Bond, then add Double Barreled Rye for contrast. Taste neat, add a few drops of water, and try a small dose of syrup or a single dash of bitters to see how the profile changes.
When you’re ready, explore our blends as another path to balance. That’s enjoying bourbon with clarity and confidence.