Happy New Year’s Eve, Eve! I believe early in October I admitted that I am a “fanboy” of Bardstown Bourbon Company and that their Discovery Series was one of the first bottles of bourbon I purchased; at least the most expensive bottles I purchased early in this adventure. Since this purchase, I have made it a goal to hunt every Discovery Series Release since No. 4 and as many Collaborative Series bottles as I could; so far only Chateau De Laubade II and Goose Island has eluded my grasp. With that, today’s review is of the most recent Bardstown Bourbon Company bottle I just found, Collaborative Series Founders Brewing KBS Stout Finish.

As stated on the bottle: The Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s Collaborative Series is a celebration of Kindred Spirits. We partner with our favorite producers in wine, beer, and spirits to create exceptional expressions. Our hand-selected premium bourbon is placed into our partner’s barrels then aged in our rickhouses to mature into the finest one-of-a-kind release. Savor the latest addition to this innovative series with our Founder’s Brewing Co. release — 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon finished for 15 months in Founder’s KBS Stout barrels.

A little over a year ago, it was near impossible to find a bottle of Bardstown Bourbon Company in NoCo. Thankfully, the majority of the Bardstown Co. lineup is now widely available in my area and even some of the smaller stores are starting to carry the Discovery and Collaborative series. Although released nearly ten months ago, this bottle can still be found at a very decent price across NoCo. Overall, this was a very unique bottle of bourbon that reminded me of the days when I used to drink chocolate stout beers. Unlike Bardstown Companies’ previous Collaborative releases that have focused heavily on wine barrels, this blend steps into the beer industry and provides a well-balanced and sweet bourbon. Definitely blended for those that love chocolate and rye spice notes galore, I would recommend that this is a must-have or a least worth trying at your local bar, if available. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Chocolate, Citrus, Orange Peel, Vanilla, Oak, and Fermenting Beer (Like Walking Through a Brewery)
• Palate: Dark Chocolate, Orange, Vanilla, Oakiness, Rye Spice and a Slight Dark Chocolate Stout Beer Note
• Finish: Medium to Long with a Wonderful Colorado Winters Hug Ending with Rye Spice, Chocolate, and Oak
• 2022 MSRP: $159
• 2022 National Average: $199
• Proof: 110 Proof
• My Rating: Drink It!

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman