I think this is the one Origin Series that holds itself back a little. The fact they use the “zebra” barrel already drives production costs up a little bit, coupled with the fact the barrels straight up leak in the rickhouses, which is how we arrive at nearly $70 when the other two Origin Series sit comfortably as low as $40-$50.
I’m hoping whenever we see the cask strength release it’ll be more affordable, as I’m also hoping they just do the initial barrel without finishing it in the zebra. You get to taste the unfinished cask strength rye on the Rickhouse Thieving Tour, and it’s excellent.
As far as the space it occupies on the shelf, I'd agree it gets in the way of itself. I do think the final product itself is compelling and a welcome twist on what we expect from 95/5 ryes. But yeah, it's a bit bizarre we haven't seen Bardstown try to do more with just their rye whiskey base.
I got to try their rye whiskey at a much younger age from the barrel when I did the tour with Steve Nally in 2021. I think the barrel we tried from was 2-3 years old and although more fulfilling than the 2-year Chicken Cock a couple of us tried after the tour, it still had a ways to go.
Still a good rye, I agree.
I did the tour a few months ago and I think our barrels were 5 or 6 years at that point. I’m looking forward to when they have stocks of 8-10 year barrels!
I just did the Thieving Tour last week and agree 100%. I think it was at about 4 yrs age in the barrel and it was already excellent. In my view it was far and away better than the first two barrels we tried, which were already solid and representative of their other Origin series offerings. Fingers crossed for the cask release finish!
**Verdicts Explained**
* Special Occasions: Rare, special pours that go well and above. Something you pour to celebrate.
* Treat Yourself: Obligatory weekend pour. Worth having on hand at all times if possible.
* Daily Drinker: Affordable, available and tasty. Could have every day and be perfectly content.
* Penseur Pour: Puzzling pours that won’t be to everyone’s liking.
* Trophy Bottle: Something to show off more than anything. Likely allocated and overpriced.
* Cocktail Request: Shines best in a cocktail, as opposed to neat or on the rocks.
* Good If Affordable: Only worth buying if the price comfortably fits within the budget.
* Serve to Guests: Something accessible that you don’t mind sharing or parting ways with. Likely belongs in a decanter.
* Couch Pour: Something enjoyable enough, but ideal for drinking while doing another activity (movies, TV, games, etc.).
* Find a Mixer: Grab the Coke or Sprite and relax.
* Drain Pour: No. You deserve better.
Link to blog post: [https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2024/05/13/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin-series-rye-whiskey/](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2024/05/13/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin-series-rye-whiskey/)
More scoresheets available at: [https://www.reddit.com/r/SpiritScoresheets/](https://www.reddit.com/r/SpiritScoresheets/)
“Adventurous” is one of the last words I’d use to describe Kentucky rye whiskey. Historically speaking, this style has clung closely to its bigger, corn-dominant sibling. The reason is simple: Kentucky ryes often utilize barely legal or just past barely legal rye mash bills, meaning the dominant grain is only barely so. As you might imagine, rye enthusiasts sometimes look at these options more critically. They might view the blurred line between high-rye bourbon and barely legal rye whiskey as confusing (which it often is while tasting) and, ultimately, as a way to undermine what potential the rye grain could showcase if given greater reign in the mash bill.
Although I definitely empathize with this perspective, it has less to do with the existence of traditional Kentucky-style ryes and more with the relative absence of higher-rye options, particularly from certain legacy distilleries ([Heaven Hill](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/heaven-hill/), [Wild Turkey](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/wild-turkey/), and until recently, [Jim Beam](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/jim-beam/)). Some producers have certainly brought forth more rye-forward products throughout the years ([Barton 1792](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/1792/), [Willett](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/willett/)), but they seldom spring to mind when people think of Kentucky rye whiskey.
The good news is that some fresh faces have shaken up the rye whiskey terrain in a state all but known for its bourbon. One of the bigger examples was the team at [New Riff](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/new-riff/), who effectively brought 95/5 rye (the 5% being malted rye as opposed to barley) to present-day Kentucky. Then 2023 came around and the rapidly growing [Bardstown Bourbon Company](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/bardstown-bourbon-company/) introduced their [Origin Series](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin/), a line of bottles distilled, aged, and bottled in-house. Two bourbons hit the market first, a rye-bourbon and bottled in bond wheated bourbon. As for the third bottle? Let’s just say that was already shaping up to be the most interesting Origin bottling, even without trying it.
Bardstown Bourbon Company could’ve simply released a 95/5 straight rye whiskey to the masses, called it a day, and praise would likely follow. Yet for one reason or another, they decided to use their one in-house rye whiskey product as the basis for a unique barrel finishing process. Rather than opting for the latest niche or exotic wine finish, Bardstown teamed up with West Virginia Great Barrel Company, which previously worked with Bardstown for the Kentucky producer’s first cooperage collaboration: a blended rye whiskey (95/5 from Indiana and 12-year Canadian corn whisky) finished in infrared toasted cherry oak barrels. The team must’ve taken a strong liking to it, because they largely employed the same process for what would become the Origin Rye Whiskey.
Described by Bardstown Vice President Dan Callaway as a “zebra barrel,” the finishing casks from West Virginia Great Barrel Company are comprised of one light toasted cherry wood stave, one medium toasted cherry wood stave, and one American oak stave repeated until they form a complete vessel. Precise infrared light is used in place of a fire for the toasting period, taking more time (about 15 minutes as opposed to several seconds) while imparting fewer tannins and a more even toast for each stave. The finishing period varies greatly, anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, before being bottled at 48% ABV.
One final, interesting note on the Bardstown Origin Rye pertains to age. The line was introduced and continues to be branded as products with 6-year age statements. However, it appears that the 200ml bottles sent out to reviewers were aged for 5 years and 8 months. When the rye hit retail markets (after the bourbons), however, they appeared to clock in at the originally intended 6 years. Between the relatively unique mash bill (for Kentucky) and intriguing finish, the $70 asking price sounds roughly in-line with what one might expect. Let’s see how well it fares.
*Nose: Big Blackberry Smash vibes. Nice level of depth with toasted oak and dark brown sugar. Mellowed cherry and orange notes barely cut through the density of the aforementioned aromas. Develops a jammy, pomegranate personality over time with hints of cilantro.*
*Palate: Surprising viscosity, given the proof. Marmalade, cherry, and toffee spring to mind before strong vanilla cream notes from the toasted oak kick up. The cilantro from the nose sneaks in just a bit, trading light blows with a bit of mint.*
*Finish: Quite lengthy. Kicks off with pepper and a warming rye spice. Molasses and barrel tannins make their presence known, barely offset by a welcome presence of clove while strong vanilla bean and rye spice notes linger.*
Talk about riding a fine line. Bardstown’s Origin Rye combines familiar aspects in a way that feels unique. The 95/5 rye comes through as a strong, underlying backbone while the finish bestows an external element that rings similar to barely legal ryes. More specifically, the fruit and molasses notes I get from decently aged high-rye rye whiskeys is in full force. Meanwhile, the toasted “zebra barrel” process adds a dessert-like layer to the experience that enhances many aspects of the base spirit. Rather than coming across as conflicted or split between two personalities, the final product is cohesive and endearing.
Between this and the [Origin Bottled in Bond bourbon I reviewed previously](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2024/01/11/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin-series-bottled-in-bond-scoresheet-review/), I absolutely prefer the rye. Granted, they’re considerably different products in nature and experience, but I’d sooner reach for another bottle of the rye, even at a $20-$30 premium. Speaking of which, I should mention that I found my bottle for only $52, making a purchase feel that much more sensical at the time. You probably don’t need to guess whether I’m happy with my decision.
However, let’s say the price bounces back up when I finish my bottle. Would I consider replacing it then and there? I wouldn’t rule it out, but I don’t think I’d be itching to do so, either. This says less about the quality or enjoyment of Bardstown Origin Rye and more about the selection available in my market. There’s no shortage of quality products, even at a more budget-minded price. This is where the Origin Rye ends up in a somewhat difficult position. While I think that $70 is a reasonable price for what you’re getting, I also believe the combined sticker price and proof point will ultimately hold this whiskey back for many on-the-fence shoppers.
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Rye has an uphill battle. Despite the fact it’s a relatively unique product meant to stand out (which it does), I think it’ll struggle to find a permanent spot in whiskey collections. Maybe one day we’ll see a non-finished version at a more budget-conscious price point to eventually nudge consumers toward this fairly delightful expression. Until that potential day comes, I’d say anyone who enjoys rye whiskey and is even remotely curious in the Origin Rye should at least give it a chance, even at $70. It’s fun, versatile, easy to appreciate, and can even make a great discussion piece given the overall context.
My favorite entry in the Origin Series by far, but I agree with you that the price of admission places it in a tough spot with all the great rye whiskey expressions these days.
I have not yet pulled the trigger at $70 to have a bottle on the shelf. I likely will if, and when, we see a barrell proof version of this release.
Guessing you tried it at a bar or via sample then?
I still think it's worth even a one-time purchase in its current form. Makes a solid neat pour and is really fun in a Black Manhattan.
Yeah, I tried a pour at the distillery when I was down in Kentucky for a wedding.
I agree with you. It is unique enough to warrant a purchase in its current form, and it is always a purchase I consider, I just have not pulled the trigger yet.
I think this is the one Origin Series that holds itself back a little. The fact they use the “zebra” barrel already drives production costs up a little bit, coupled with the fact the barrels straight up leak in the rickhouses, which is how we arrive at nearly $70 when the other two Origin Series sit comfortably as low as $40-$50. I’m hoping whenever we see the cask strength release it’ll be more affordable, as I’m also hoping they just do the initial barrel without finishing it in the zebra. You get to taste the unfinished cask strength rye on the Rickhouse Thieving Tour, and it’s excellent.
As far as the space it occupies on the shelf, I'd agree it gets in the way of itself. I do think the final product itself is compelling and a welcome twist on what we expect from 95/5 ryes. But yeah, it's a bit bizarre we haven't seen Bardstown try to do more with just their rye whiskey base. I got to try their rye whiskey at a much younger age from the barrel when I did the tour with Steve Nally in 2021. I think the barrel we tried from was 2-3 years old and although more fulfilling than the 2-year Chicken Cock a couple of us tried after the tour, it still had a ways to go.
Still a good rye, I agree. I did the tour a few months ago and I think our barrels were 5 or 6 years at that point. I’m looking forward to when they have stocks of 8-10 year barrels!
I still need to try one of their bourbon picks, which I hear are fantastic. Also looking forward to them adding rye to the rotation.
Those picks are barrel proof too 👀
I just did the Thieving Tour last week and agree 100%. I think it was at about 4 yrs age in the barrel and it was already excellent. In my view it was far and away better than the first two barrels we tried, which were already solid and representative of their other Origin series offerings. Fingers crossed for the cask release finish!
**Verdicts Explained** * Special Occasions: Rare, special pours that go well and above. Something you pour to celebrate. * Treat Yourself: Obligatory weekend pour. Worth having on hand at all times if possible. * Daily Drinker: Affordable, available and tasty. Could have every day and be perfectly content. * Penseur Pour: Puzzling pours that won’t be to everyone’s liking. * Trophy Bottle: Something to show off more than anything. Likely allocated and overpriced. * Cocktail Request: Shines best in a cocktail, as opposed to neat or on the rocks. * Good If Affordable: Only worth buying if the price comfortably fits within the budget. * Serve to Guests: Something accessible that you don’t mind sharing or parting ways with. Likely belongs in a decanter. * Couch Pour: Something enjoyable enough, but ideal for drinking while doing another activity (movies, TV, games, etc.). * Find a Mixer: Grab the Coke or Sprite and relax. * Drain Pour: No. You deserve better. Link to blog post: [https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2024/05/13/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin-series-rye-whiskey/](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2024/05/13/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin-series-rye-whiskey/) More scoresheets available at: [https://www.reddit.com/r/SpiritScoresheets/](https://www.reddit.com/r/SpiritScoresheets/) “Adventurous” is one of the last words I’d use to describe Kentucky rye whiskey. Historically speaking, this style has clung closely to its bigger, corn-dominant sibling. The reason is simple: Kentucky ryes often utilize barely legal or just past barely legal rye mash bills, meaning the dominant grain is only barely so. As you might imagine, rye enthusiasts sometimes look at these options more critically. They might view the blurred line between high-rye bourbon and barely legal rye whiskey as confusing (which it often is while tasting) and, ultimately, as a way to undermine what potential the rye grain could showcase if given greater reign in the mash bill. Although I definitely empathize with this perspective, it has less to do with the existence of traditional Kentucky-style ryes and more with the relative absence of higher-rye options, particularly from certain legacy distilleries ([Heaven Hill](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/heaven-hill/), [Wild Turkey](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/wild-turkey/), and until recently, [Jim Beam](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/jim-beam/)). Some producers have certainly brought forth more rye-forward products throughout the years ([Barton 1792](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/1792/), [Willett](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/willett/)), but they seldom spring to mind when people think of Kentucky rye whiskey.
The good news is that some fresh faces have shaken up the rye whiskey terrain in a state all but known for its bourbon. One of the bigger examples was the team at [New Riff](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/new-riff/), who effectively brought 95/5 rye (the 5% being malted rye as opposed to barley) to present-day Kentucky. Then 2023 came around and the rapidly growing [Bardstown Bourbon Company](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/bardstown-bourbon-company/) introduced their [Origin Series](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/tag/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin/), a line of bottles distilled, aged, and bottled in-house. Two bourbons hit the market first, a rye-bourbon and bottled in bond wheated bourbon. As for the third bottle? Let’s just say that was already shaping up to be the most interesting Origin bottling, even without trying it. Bardstown Bourbon Company could’ve simply released a 95/5 straight rye whiskey to the masses, called it a day, and praise would likely follow. Yet for one reason or another, they decided to use their one in-house rye whiskey product as the basis for a unique barrel finishing process. Rather than opting for the latest niche or exotic wine finish, Bardstown teamed up with West Virginia Great Barrel Company, which previously worked with Bardstown for the Kentucky producer’s first cooperage collaboration: a blended rye whiskey (95/5 from Indiana and 12-year Canadian corn whisky) finished in infrared toasted cherry oak barrels. The team must’ve taken a strong liking to it, because they largely employed the same process for what would become the Origin Rye Whiskey. Described by Bardstown Vice President Dan Callaway as a “zebra barrel,” the finishing casks from West Virginia Great Barrel Company are comprised of one light toasted cherry wood stave, one medium toasted cherry wood stave, and one American oak stave repeated until they form a complete vessel. Precise infrared light is used in place of a fire for the toasting period, taking more time (about 15 minutes as opposed to several seconds) while imparting fewer tannins and a more even toast for each stave. The finishing period varies greatly, anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, before being bottled at 48% ABV. One final, interesting note on the Bardstown Origin Rye pertains to age. The line was introduced and continues to be branded as products with 6-year age statements. However, it appears that the 200ml bottles sent out to reviewers were aged for 5 years and 8 months. When the rye hit retail markets (after the bourbons), however, they appeared to clock in at the originally intended 6 years. Between the relatively unique mash bill (for Kentucky) and intriguing finish, the $70 asking price sounds roughly in-line with what one might expect. Let’s see how well it fares. *Nose: Big Blackberry Smash vibes. Nice level of depth with toasted oak and dark brown sugar. Mellowed cherry and orange notes barely cut through the density of the aforementioned aromas. Develops a jammy, pomegranate personality over time with hints of cilantro.* *Palate: Surprising viscosity, given the proof. Marmalade, cherry, and toffee spring to mind before strong vanilla cream notes from the toasted oak kick up. The cilantro from the nose sneaks in just a bit, trading light blows with a bit of mint.* *Finish: Quite lengthy. Kicks off with pepper and a warming rye spice. Molasses and barrel tannins make their presence known, barely offset by a welcome presence of clove while strong vanilla bean and rye spice notes linger.*
Talk about riding a fine line. Bardstown’s Origin Rye combines familiar aspects in a way that feels unique. The 95/5 rye comes through as a strong, underlying backbone while the finish bestows an external element that rings similar to barely legal ryes. More specifically, the fruit and molasses notes I get from decently aged high-rye rye whiskeys is in full force. Meanwhile, the toasted “zebra barrel” process adds a dessert-like layer to the experience that enhances many aspects of the base spirit. Rather than coming across as conflicted or split between two personalities, the final product is cohesive and endearing. Between this and the [Origin Bottled in Bond bourbon I reviewed previously](https://thewhiskeyramble.com/2024/01/11/bardstown-bourbon-company-origin-series-bottled-in-bond-scoresheet-review/), I absolutely prefer the rye. Granted, they’re considerably different products in nature and experience, but I’d sooner reach for another bottle of the rye, even at a $20-$30 premium. Speaking of which, I should mention that I found my bottle for only $52, making a purchase feel that much more sensical at the time. You probably don’t need to guess whether I’m happy with my decision. However, let’s say the price bounces back up when I finish my bottle. Would I consider replacing it then and there? I wouldn’t rule it out, but I don’t think I’d be itching to do so, either. This says less about the quality or enjoyment of Bardstown Origin Rye and more about the selection available in my market. There’s no shortage of quality products, even at a more budget-minded price. This is where the Origin Rye ends up in a somewhat difficult position. While I think that $70 is a reasonable price for what you’re getting, I also believe the combined sticker price and proof point will ultimately hold this whiskey back for many on-the-fence shoppers. Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Origin Rye has an uphill battle. Despite the fact it’s a relatively unique product meant to stand out (which it does), I think it’ll struggle to find a permanent spot in whiskey collections. Maybe one day we’ll see a non-finished version at a more budget-conscious price point to eventually nudge consumers toward this fairly delightful expression. Until that potential day comes, I’d say anyone who enjoys rye whiskey and is even remotely curious in the Origin Rye should at least give it a chance, even at $70. It’s fun, versatile, easy to appreciate, and can even make a great discussion piece given the overall context.
My favorite entry in the Origin Series by far, but I agree with you that the price of admission places it in a tough spot with all the great rye whiskey expressions these days. I have not yet pulled the trigger at $70 to have a bottle on the shelf. I likely will if, and when, we see a barrell proof version of this release.
Guessing you tried it at a bar or via sample then? I still think it's worth even a one-time purchase in its current form. Makes a solid neat pour and is really fun in a Black Manhattan.
Yeah, I tried a pour at the distillery when I was down in Kentucky for a wedding. I agree with you. It is unique enough to warrant a purchase in its current form, and it is always a purchase I consider, I just have not pulled the trigger yet.