Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Wheated Bourbon 750ML

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Origin Series Wheated Bourbon 750ML is a 6-year-old, estate-distilled Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 53% ABV (106 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Produced by the 2023 IWSC Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year, this expression stands apart with one of the highest wheat percentages found in any bourbon mashbill — 39% — delivering a distinctly rich, pastry-laden character that goes well beyond typical wheated bourbons.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53% (106 Proof)  |  Origin: Bardstown, Kentucky, USA  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company

Production & Heritage

Bardstown Bourbon Company operates one of the most modern distilleries in Kentucky, located in the heart of bourbon country in Bardstown, Nelson County. The Origin Series represents the distillery's own estate-produced whiskey, distilled, aged, and bottled entirely on-site — distinguishing it from the collaborative and discovery series that initially built the brand's reputation. The mashbill of 53% corn, 39% wheat, and 8% malted barley is entered into barrels at just 108 proof, significantly lower than the industry-standard maximum of 125 proof. This low barrel entry proof allows the spirit to extract greater wood sugars during its six years of maturation, contributing to the bourbon's pronounced sweetness and depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe apricot and orange zest arrive first, followed by layers of vanilla cream and crème brûlée. Beneath the fruit and confection, subtle notes of leather and cracked toasted wheat add savory complexity.

Taste: The entry is lush with buttercream frosting and butterscotch candy, giving way to a mid-palate of caramel, sweet corn, and golden raisin drizzled with honey. At full proof, oak and white pepper assert themselves firmly, with toffee and dried apricot weaving through a bold, pastry-driven core.

Finish: Full-bodied and warming, the finish carries cinnamon, allspice, and charred oak alongside lemon oil and toasted bread. The spice lingers with a slight leather undertone that balances the pervasive sweetness.

How to Drink Origin Series Wheated Bourbon

At 106 proof, this bourbon rewards neat sipping with a few minutes of rest in the glass; a small splash of water opens up the apricot and pastry notes without diminishing the oak structure. It also holds its own in cocktails where wheat-forward sweetness is an asset. A Wheated Old Fashioned lets the butterscotch and baking spice shine against a simple syrup and bitters base. A Paper Plane benefits from the bourbon's citrus-forward fruit notes harmonizing with Aperol and amaro. A Gold Rush pairs the honey-lemon cocktail template naturally with this bourbon's inherent honey and lemon oil characteristics.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring high-wheat mashbills beyond the Weller and Maker's Mark families
• Gifting a whiskey collector who values estate-distilled, craft-forward production
• Side-by-side tastings comparing wheated bourbon profiles at barrel-proof and cask-strength levels
• After-dinner sipping where rich, dessert-like flavors complement the occasion

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Origin Series Wheated Bourbon taste like? It delivers a rich, dessert-forward profile dominated by butterscotch, apricot, and buttercream, with a warming backbone of cinnamon, allspice, and charred oak. The high wheat content produces a notably soft, round mouthfeel despite the 106 proof.

How does Origin Series Wheated Bourbon compare to Maker's Mark Cask Strength? Both are wheated bourbons, but Origin Series Wheated uses 39% wheat versus Maker's Mark's approximately 16% red winter wheat, resulting in a significantly more grain-forward sweetness. Maker's Mark Cask Strength tends to emphasize caramel and vanilla with fruit, while the Bardstown expression leans more heavily into pastry, butterscotch, and dried stone fruit.

Is Origin Series Wheated Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the low 108-proof barrel entry and six years of aging produce a well-integrated bourbon at 106 proof that drinks smoothly neat, though a few drops of water further unlock the aromatic complexity.

Where is Origin Series Wheated Bourbon made? It is estate-distilled, aged, and bottled at the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, the self-proclaimed "Bourbon Capital of the World" in Nelson County.

What foods pair well with Origin Series Wheated Bourbon? Crème brûlée mirrors the bourbon's caramelized sugar and vanilla notes. Aged Gouda complements the butterscotch and toasted wheat. Smoked pork belly balances richness with the bourbon's oak and spice. Apricot tart echoes the prominent stone fruit character. Dark chocolate with sea salt contrasts the sweetness while drawing out the leather and allspice.

What sizes does Origin Series Wheated Bourbon come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Origin Series Wheated Bourbon worth the price? It positions as a premium craft bourbon, and the combination of estate distillation, an unusually high wheat mashbill, low barrel entry proof, and six years of age delivers strong value relative to other limited-production wheated bourbons in the same tier.

Why Origin Series Wheated Bourbon?

The 39% wheat mashbill is the headline — very few distilleries push wheat content this high, and the result is a genuinely distinctive flavor profile that separates this bourbon from familiar wheated benchmarks. The low 108-proof barrel entry is an intentional production choice that maximizes wood sugar extraction and yields the pronounced butterscotch and pastry character evident in every sip. Bardstown Bourbon Company earned IWSC Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year honors in 2023, lending credibility to a distillery that has rapidly earned respect across the industry. For drinkers who have exhausted the Weller lineup or want to experience what a modern Kentucky distillery can achieve with a wheated recipe, this six-year expression makes a compelling case.