Bardstown Ferrand Collaboration Bourbon 750ML is a 110-proof (55% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon finished in Pierre Ferrand Cognac casks. Awarded Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 94 points from Whisky Advocate, which named it the #11 Most Exciting Whisky of 2025, this expression represents one of the most acclaimed entries in Bardstown Bourbon Company's ongoing Collaborative Series.Quick Facts: ABV: 55% (110 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | Cognac Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon | Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon CompanyProduction & HeritageBardstown Bourbon Company, based in Bardstown, Kentucky — often called the bourbon capital of the world — has built its reputation on innovative collaborations with producers across the spirits world. For this release, the distillery partnered with Maison Ferrand, the renowned French Cognac house, to finish a blend of sourced Kentucky straight bourbons in emptied Pierre Ferrand Cognac barrels. The base blend is built around a mashbill of approximately three-quarters corn, supplemented by 7% six-year-old rye whiskey distilled from a 95/5 rye mashbill. The finishing period lasts 15 months — intentionally shorter than earlier Collaborative Series entries, which typically rested closer to 18 months in secondary casks — suggesting the blending team sought a more restrained, harmonious Cognac influence rather than an aggressive cask takeover.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with ripe pear and fig before shifting into vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. Red grape, raspberry, and warm baking spices build behind those initial fruit notes, joined by a floral bouquet and hints of grilled peach.Taste: The entry is bold and richly textured, with a buttery mouthfeel that carries decadent black cherry, toffee, and cocoa across the palate. Mid-palate, baked apple, cinnamon spice, and pecan emerge alongside subtle floral notes. Vanilla cream and sweet rye spice add complexity, while a layer of raisin and dark fruit deepens the profile toward the peak.Finish: The finish is long and warming, marked by toasted oak, lingering bourbon warmth, and a trace of chantilly cream sweetness. A subtle kiss of mint and residual baking spice close things out cleanly without bitterness.How to Drink Bardstown FerrandAt 110 proof, this bourbon rewards patient sipping — try it neat first, then add a few drops of water to open the fruit-forward Cognac influence. A single large ice cube tames the heat while preserving the rich mouthfeel. Vieux Carré: The Cognac-cask character doubles down on this cocktail's traditional brandy-and-rye backbone, amplifying the dark fruit and spice. Old Fashioned: The inherent toffee, vanilla, and baking spice need little embellishment — just sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. Sidecar (bourbon riff): Swap Cognac for this bourbon to create a hybrid Sidecar where the cask finish provides the brandy notes organically, producing a seamless citrus-and-spice drink. Best For Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates cask-finished bourbons Side-by-side tastings comparing Cognac-finished American whiskeys Adding a trophy bottle to a curated bourbon collection Hosting a guided tasting focused on secondary cask influence Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Bardstown Ferrand taste like? It delivers a rich, layered profile of black cherry, toffee, cocoa, and baked apple balanced by vanilla cream and rye spice. The Cognac-cask finish contributes dark fruit sweetness, floral complexity, and a buttery mouthfeel without overwhelming the bourbon base.How does Bardstown Ferrand compare to 1792 Cognac Finished? Both are Kentucky straight bourbons finished in French Cognac barrels, but Bardstown Ferrand is bottled at a significantly higher proof (110 vs. 1792's lower proof point), which intensifies flavor density and texture. The 15-month Cognac finishing period and the inclusion of high-rye whiskey in the blend also give Bardstown Ferrand a spicier, more complex character.Is Bardstown Ferrand good for sipping neat? Yes — despite its 110 proof, the bourbon's buttery mouthfeel and layered fruit sweetness make it a rewarding neat pour, though a splash of water helps unlock the floral and baked-fruit notes from the Cognac cask finish.Where is Bardstown Ferrand made? It is produced by Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky, using a blend of sourced Kentucky straight bourbons that are then finished on-site in Pierre Ferrand Cognac barrels supplied by Maison Ferrand of France.What foods pair well with Bardstown Ferrand? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and toffee notes. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, caramelized sweetness. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese balances the bourbon's rich spice. Pork belly with a fruit glaze echoes the baked apple and dark fruit character. Fig-and-walnut charcuterie boards match the nose almost note for note.What sizes does Bardstown Ferrand come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the primary format available for this Collaborative Series expression.Is Bardstown Ferrand worth the price? Positioned as a premium limited-collaboration bourbon, it competes at the upper end of the finished-bourbon category. The 94-point Whisky Advocate score, Double Gold medal, and cask-strength proof point represent strong value relative to similarly priced cask-finished whiskeys.Why Bardstown Ferrand?What separates this release is precision. The 15-month Cognac-cask finishing window was deliberately dialed back from the Collaborative Series' usual 18-month standard, allowing the Pierre Ferrand barrels to add fruit sweetness and floral complexity without eclipsing the bourbon's corn-driven backbone and rye spice. That calibration earned it a 94-point score from Whisky Advocate and a Double Gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — recognition that places it among the most critically acclaimed finished bourbons of the year. At cask strength, it delivers the kind of intensity and layered texture that rewards repeated tasting, making it a standout within Bardstown Bourbon Company's already respected collaboration lineup.
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