Each September, 1000’s flock to Bardstown, Kentucky for a three-day exploration of their favourite interest: Ingesting bourbon. And they also did once more in 2024 on the Kentucky Bourbon Pageant. With some 200 whiskeys obtainable for tasting, you may’t attainable pattern every little thing on provide. That doesn’t cease people from attempting, and for the reason that competition runs for an extended weekend, you may positively do some injury, offered you’re prepared to attend in some lengthy traces underneath the solar, within the rain, or — as was our expertise — each in someday.
For a lot of, KBF isn’t a lot about tasting however about shopping for. Producers carry their unicorn bottles like Heaven Hill Parker’s Heritage Assortment and Michter’s two 10 Yr Previous Single Barrel choices, all on the market at MSRP. For those who’re prepared to face in line for 2 hours or extra, you may be capable to nab one your self.
I didn’t purchase a factor apart from a much-needed baseball cap and centered as a substitute on tasting as many rarities and one-offs as I may discover. Here’s a assortment of my favorites.
Kentucky Peerless Bourbon Cognac Barrel Completed – Technically tasted the night time earlier than KBF started at an occasion at Louisville’s Distiller’s Membership with Peerless’s blender John Wadell, and an effective way to start out the occasion. Wadell says Peerless doesn’t wish to be identified for ending… however right here we’re, with a terrific, completed product. Light candy with ripe raisin notes and only a little bit of funk, it’s a phenomenal expression of the most effective of two worlds — burly bourbon whiskey and a soothing, candy brandy. Of the a number of whiskeys we tasted this night, the one I couldn’t put down. 107 proof. $200
Maker’s Mark Non-public Choice Toasted Marshmallow – Star Hill Farm, KY – A personal choice launch of Maker’s Mark’s personal creation, heavy on the Roasted French Mendiant staves. It’s a crowd-pleaser of a whiskey that earns its identify, providing not just a few rounded sweetness but in addition loads of charry, burnt sugar bits across the edges. In all probability solely obtainable if you happen to go to the distillery… however I’d make the drive. 110.6 proof. $NA
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024 – One other MM — this one a extremely awaited providing that most of the people can get. The observe as much as final yr’s dazzling Cellar Aged 2023, the 2024 launch once more finds Maker’s leaning extra closely on wooden than its home profile does, although the extra savory strategy serves as a wholesome counterpoint to the effusive vanilla and chocolate within the combine. We simply received a pattern bottle of this as I sort this, so we’ll be delving into extra specifics quickly. 119.3 proof. $150
Barrell Bourbon Cask End Sequence: Ice Wine – I don’t assume I’ve ever had a whiskey completed in ice wine barrels earlier than this one… and I hope it’s a development that continues. This 5 yr outdated is a mix of 11 whiskeys from 4 states, but it surely’s clearly the candy wine barrel that’s doing the heavy lifting right here. It’s under no circumstances overwhelming with sugar however quite layers a mild honey high quality atop its well-matured, advanced spine. In all probability my favourite sip of the competition. I’ll be reviewing this one intimately within the coming weeks, so keep tuned. 106.52 proof. $NA
Barrell Seagrass Gold Label Rye – This little piece of madness provides WhistlePig’s Boss Hog releases a run for his or her cash. It’s a 20 yr outdated Canadian rye completed in three casks: Martinique rum, Malmsey Madeira, and apricot brandy barrels — and it’s cask energy. The apricot isn’t shy, and the completed product is an outright fruit bomb. It’s a type of whiskeys that’s laborious to get your arms round — and which works finest as a nightcap, while you assume your palate could be shot. One sip and also you’ll discover out quickly sufficient. 128.12 proof. $500
Angel’s Envy Bottled in Bond – Actually fairly a delight which may problem your expectations of the distillery. This one’s notably distinctive as a result of additionally it is a cask energy bourbon in addition to being bonded: By rigorously mixing barrels, Angel’s Envy received to 100 proof with out watering down the whiskey. That alone is price a gradual clap — however the juice is stable, a pleasant mix of chocolate, baking spice, and an enormous almond nougat observe on the end. 100 proof. $55
Nulu Hazmat – Nulu was pouring a “maple brulee” bourbon that I couldn’t get my arms round. As a substitute I gravitated to this high-proof launch which did under no circumstances lie in its identify: Very popular but in addition fruit-forward, with a terrific degree of spice and ample darkish chocolate. 140 proof. $NA
New Riff Single Malt – New Riff co-founder Jay Erisman defined all of the advanced ins and outs of its first single malt, however I didn’t come near getting all the main points written down as a result of we have been busy tasting the stuff. It’s a enjoyable and weird whiskey from New Riff that exhibits the place the rising ASM market may find yourself going, threading the needle between the burly bourbon and silky malt whiskey worlds. 114.5 proof. $70
Hen Cock Mizunara End – As a model drawing on a reputation that dates again to 1856, it’s secure to say {that a} Japanese mizunara oak was not within the unique lineup. This expression is nonetheless daring and woodsy, but balanced and soulful, with a wealthy earthiness that feels otherworldly at occasions. 105 proof. $250
Bardstown Bourbon Silver Oak End – Bourbon people love to complete in blue chip Napa cabernet casks with a view to enchantment to the crossover market of upscale wine drinkers, so why not BBCo? This is likely one of the higher pink wine-finished bourbons I’ve tried, a lot spicy up prime and loaded with pink fruit notes — although its a little bit tannic and doughy on the again finish. You may really get the essence of the cabernet right here, a minimum of for a fleeting few seconds. Full evaluation forthcoming. 108 proof. $160
Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon 2024 – I’d really by no means had the possibility to pattern Bomberger’s earlier than KBF, and now I see what all of the fuss is about. That is only a nice, balanced sipper, wealthy on the palate however stuffed with fruit notes, well-complemented by vanilla and chocolate. Nothing to not like, and comparably simple to pay money for compared to among the unicorns above. 108 proof. $90
Remus Bourbon Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon Pageant 2024 Launch – A stable one-off bottle of ex-MGP’s personal Remus model, manufactured from 51% corn and 49% rye. Aggressive as hell however a pleasant distraction from among the fruit bombs I encountered throughout the occasion. 118.1 proof. $NA
Heaven Hill Choose Inventory Bourbon Completed in Espresso Barrels – A pleasant nightcap for the occasion: That is precisely what the identify suggests, an experimental launch that certainly tastes like a brief cup of espresso with a shot of whiskey dunked into it. Not one thing I’d gravitate to on the common, however a stunning palate cleanser to get you to the bus again house! 86 proof. $NA
Huge due to the Kentucky Bourbon Pageant for arranging tickets, lodging, and meals for Drinkhacker to attend!
