Bardstown Bourbon Co. Collaborative Series Foursquare Blended American Whiskey (750ml)

"...a near-perfect marriage, taking the success of their initial foray into rum-finishing and ratcheting it up a few degrees." - drinkhacker.com

Ninety per cent of this whiskey is seven year old Indiana rye, with the remainder a seventeen year old Tennessee Bourbon. Both were aged for 23 months in x-Foursquare rum barrels from Barbados. The molasses influence is undeniable but not overdone, with just enough whiskey character retained. A 50ml sample kicks off like a high-end rum on the nose, then turns more Bourbonesque. First taste is deliciously rum-like; the second pass builds with Bourbon wood spices, followed by notes of molasses cake, raw sugar, cinnamon and light fruit cake. Unconventional, but this combination really works. 53.5% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

Other reviews... Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Collaborative Series has been a source of many interesting and creative finished whiskeys over the past few years. In 2022 they released a 10 year old Tennessee bourbon finished for 23 months in Plantation Rum barrels to great results... Foursquare interestingly uses a 7 year old rye as its base whiskey component. In the early days of rum finished whiskey, bourbon was the most common base whiskey being used. But here along with Fortuitous Union, both have utilized rye. Perhaps both companies are looking for a more interesting interplay between their base spirit and their rum influence. The rye spice is apparent throughout, contrasting with the rum notes, throwing balance to the wayside, and ultimately making for a more dynamic sip. By keeping its Foursquare notes in check, this might be an example of taming the beast in order to reap the rewards. The palate manages to nicely delegate its Foursquare flavor notes throughout its sip and with good intensity. As with the Plantation Rum finished bourbon, the Foursquare finished whiskey also struggles a bit on the tail-end of its finish. It’s not as molasses-filled or rich as you’d expect, and more dry and oaky. Bardstown’s Foursquare finished whiskey is on par with their Plantation Rum finished bourbon. Both offer similar flavor profiles, but each offers its own nuances. The Foursquare finished whiskey’s rye component is definitely noticeable as is its 17 year old Tennessee bourbon component. These components don’t necessarily make for a better whiskey, but one with more going on beyond its rum finish. - breakingbourbon.com

...A wonderfully complex bouquet greets the nose as the silky influence of Barbadian rum rushes out of the glass before a shake of rye spice introduces a mint note which is soon followed by milk chocolate, toasted almond, and a waxy plum aroma. On the palate there’s a lush dose of dark chocolate peppered with some of the rye spice from the nose. Though the flavors aren’t as complex as the aromas, it delivers with a depth that makes this release eminently enjoyable. There’s a dash of nutmeg-powdered raisins on the middle of the tongue before the finish unveils tobacco leaf and a measured dollop of molasses indicative of the rum cask’s influence. The texture is just dense enough to avoid being dull, but it’s on the lengthy finish, which is replete with plantain chips and white pepper, where this pour truly soars. For rum fans and whiskey drinkers alike, this new Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series expression is a near-perfect marriage, taking the success of their initial foray into rum-finishing and ratcheting it up a few degrees. Wedding the two worlds works exceedingly well here, showcasing the best of both in a single bottle that is more than worth a try. - drinkhacker.com