Exploring Bardstown Fusion Series Bourbon #4 | Complex Fruit Brandy Finish

Exploring the Complex Flavors of Bardstown Fusion Series Bourbon #4

The Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky has made a name for itself in recent years for its innovative Fusion series. This series experiments with different types of barrels and finishes to create unique and complex bourbons unlike any others on the market. Fusion Series Bourbon #4 continues this tradition of experimentation with excellent results.

Background on the Bardstown Fusion Series

The Fusion series was launched just a few years ago in 2019 to critical acclaim from bourbon enthusiasts. It aims to explore how diverse flavors from different barrel types and finishes can combine to produce distinctive and tasty whiskies.

Each release in the series uses a different combination of standard bourbon barrels along with other various types of casks. These have included rum barrels, port wine barrels, Cabernet wine barrels, and honey barrels among others. The different wood types and previous fill contents impart additional flavors into the bourbon.

The series helps highlight Bardstown's focus on innovation and creativity in bourbon production. Bourbon drinkers appreciate this willingness to test the boundaries of traditional Kentucky bourbon.

Reviewing Bardstown Fusion Series Bourbon #4

Fusion Series Bourbon #4 offers fans of the series another great innovation in bourbon finishing. This bottling combines straight bourbon aged in virgin American oak barrels along with bourbon finished in both peach brandy and Apricot brandy casks.

The peach and apricot brandies add lovely fruit notes not often found in bourbon. They complement the sweet vanilla and caramel notes from the virgin oak bourbon barrels. It makes for a tasty and unique sipper.

Nose and Aroma

Nosing Fusion Series #4 reveals the fruit brandies immediately. Waves of fresh peach, apricot, cherry, and apple rise from the glass. They mingle nicely with classic bourbon notes of oak, brown sugar, and light baking spices.

Letting the glass sit opens up additional aromas of honey, custard, and currants. There are also hints of Piper's Glen Vineyard wine cask peeking through. The nose displays remarkable complexity.

Palate and Flavors

The first sip delivers those lovely fruit brandy flavors prominently. Waves of fresh peach, apricot, and red berries splash over the palate. They supply a refreshing fruitiness rarely encountered in bourbon.

As those bright fruits fade, the underlying sweet bourbon notes emerge. Flavors of honey, vanilla, and light caramel now come forward. Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg supply pleasant baking spices.

The finish sees the return of those brandy fruits. Peach and apricot flavors linger on the palate for a good while after swallowing. A touch of drying oak appears right at the end.

Smooth and Flavorful Sipping

Fusion Series Bourbon #4 offers a nice body that feels lush and satiny. The abv weighs in at a medium 49.2% (98.4 proof), so it supplies ample flavor punch.

It drinks very smoothly for the higher proof with minimal heat or bite. The fruit brandies round out the sharper virgin bourbon edges perfectly.

Sipping this Fusion series release is a joy from start to end. The drinkability exceeds expectations considering the complexity of flavors.

Overall Impressions

Bourbon enthusiasts who enjoy experimentation and unique flavor profiles will adore Fusion #4. It retains a genuine bourbon character while reaching into exciting new territory.

The brandy barrel finishing provides a lovely fruitiness rarely encountered. Yet it augments the sweet and spiced straight bourbon foundation instead of overpowering.

Kudos to Bardstown for continuing to successfully push the boundaries. This Fusion series helps prove the amazing diversity possible even within America's signature spirit.

FAQs

What is the mash bill for Fusion Series Bourbon #4?

The mash bill uses around 70% corn along with rye and malted barley. Bardstown does not publish exact mash bills but they are typically high corn bourbon recipes.

What is the age of the bourbon used?

The straight bourbon component is aged approximately 4 years. The brandies used to finish some of the bourbon are likely quite young and impart flavor quickly.

Where is this Fusion bourbon available?

Unfortunately Bardstown Fusion series releases are all very limited. They sell out quickly at the distillery and in their online shop. These are highly sought after small batch offerings with very limited distribution.

What kind of brandies are used for the finishing barrels?

Peach brandy and apricot brandy casks from undisclosed producers are used to impart fruit flavors. Brandy finishing barrels add delicate fruit complexity.

What proof is Bardstown Fusion #4 bottled at?

Fusion Series Bourbon #4 is bottled at 98.4 proof, which equals 49.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Other Fusion releases have ranged from 90 to 100 proof.