Bardstown Bourbon Company Cathedral French Oak
The sample used for this review was provided to me at no cost courtesy its respective company. I thank them for allowing me to review it with no strings attached.
Country: United States
Region: Kentucky
Type: Finished Bourbon
Bottler: Bardstown Bourbon Company
ABV: 55.05%
Score: 95 Points
Bardstown Bourbon Company has truly outdone itself with Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finished Bourbon. From the moment you see it, the deep, rich color hints at the complexity within—no surprise given the blend of whiskeys aged between 9 and 18 years, finished for an additional 14 months in French oak. On the nose, this bourbon is a beautiful mix of floral, fruity, and sweet oak notes, with hints of honey, maple, and spice. The palate is just as impressive—rich, decadent, and evolving from sweet red fruit, like cherries, into deeper notes of oak, leather, and tobacco. The finish lingers with vanilla, marshmallow, and a perfectly balanced oak presence, avoiding excessive tannins or bitterness.
Even at 110 proof, Cathedral drinks smoother than expected, landing closer to 100-105 proof. Its layered complexity and remarkable balance make it an outstanding pour, one that would pair effortlessly with a fine cigar. Bardstown Bourbon Company continues to prove why it’s one of the best in the game, and this release lives up to all the hype. With a well-earned score of 95 points, this is one of the finest bourbons I’ve had in a long time—absolutely worth the attention it’s receiving.
