I was so excited to try the Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau de Laubade II, a limited edition release finished in Chateau de Laubade Armagnac barrels. Having heard a lot of buzz about this particular release, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau De Laubade II Overview
Product History
Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau De Laubade II is a limited edition release that was launched in 2022 by Bardstown Bourbon Company. This bourbon is a collaboration between the Bardstown Bourbon Company and Chateau De Laubade, a French Armagnac producer. This is the second release of the collaboration, and it has received great acclaim from whiskey lovers.
The Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau De Laubade II is a unique blend of 12-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and Chateau De Laubade Armagnac. The bourbon is finished in Armagnac casks, which gives it a unique flavor profile.
Price Range
The Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau De Laubade II is a limited edition release, which means it is not widely available. The price of the bourbon varies depending on the retailer and location. The official Bardstown website currently lists it as costing $159.99. The price of this bourbon is justified by its unique flavor profile and the fact that it is a limited edition release. If you are a whiskey lover who enjoys trying new and unique bourbons, then the Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau De Laubade II is definitely worth trying.
photo credit: bardstownbourbon.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
When I first nosed the Bardstown Château de Laubade II, the Armagnac influence was quite evident. The aroma was rich with dried fruits like raisins, cherries, and pears, accompanied by sweet notes of brown sugar, toffee, and molasses. The aroma was also complemented by a hint of oak and vanilla.
Flavor
On the palate, the Bardstown Château de Laubade II was smooth and well-balanced. The initial taste was sweet, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and brown sugar. The dried fruit notes from the aroma were also present, along with a subtle hint of spice. The Armagnac finish added complexity to the flavor profile, with a rich, fruity taste and a touch of oak.
Finish
The finish was long and warming, with a pleasant, lingering sweetness. The oak and vanilla notes were more prominent in the finish, along with a hint of spice. The Armagnac finish added a unique character to the finish, with a rich, fruity taste that lingered on the palate.
Rating
Overall, I found the Bardstown Château de Laubade II to be an excellent bourbon. The Armagnac finish added complexity and depth to the flavor profile while still maintaining the smoothness and balance that Bardstown is known for. I would highly recommend this bourbon to any whiskey lover looking for something unique and flavorful. I would rate this bourbon a solid 9 out of 10.
Mixing And Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau de Laubade II, I would recommend keeping it simple. This bourbon has a unique finish that is best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube. However, if you prefer to mix your bourbon, I suggest using mixers that will complement the flavors of the bourbon. Ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and cola are all great mixers to use with this bourbon.
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Cocktail Suggestions
If you want to get creative with your Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau de Laubade II, there are a few cocktail suggestions that I would recommend. The first is a classic Old Fashioned. This cocktail is simple to make and allows the flavors of the bourbon to shine through. Another great cocktail to try is a Manhattan. This cocktail pairs well with the unique finish of the bourbon and is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
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Food Pairings
Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau de Laubade II has a complex and flavorful profile that pairs well with a variety of foods. I recommend pairing this bourbon with rich and savory dishes such as grilled steak, roasted lamb, or hearty stews. The flavors of the bourbon also pair well with sweet and spicy dishes like barbecue ribs or glazed ham. For dessert, I suggest pairing this bourbon with a rich chocolate cake or a creamy cheesecake.
Conclusion
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Chateau de Laubade II is a unique and complex bourbon that is worth trying for any whiskey enthusiast. With its 12-year aging process and 18-month finish in ex-Armagnac brandy barrels from Chateau de Laubade, this limited edition release is a testament to the blending skills of the Bardstown Bourbon Company.
At a price point of $159.99, this bourbon is not for everyone, but it is definitely worth the investment for those who appreciate the complexity and uniqueness of the Chateau de Laubade II. Overall, I highly recommend trying this limited edition release from Bardstown Bourbon Company to experience the unique blend of bourbon and Armagnac.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed my review of Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau de Laubade II, then you might be interested in checking out these related posts:
- Black Mountain: when Whisky meets Armagnac: This post explores the combination of whisky and Armagnac, the same type of French brandy used to finish Chateau de Laubade II.
- Dream Dram: a closer look at AnCnoc 35 Year Old: This post reviews a limited edition 35-year-old whisky from AnCnoc.
- Reviewing Teeling 24 Years Old: This review covers a 24-year-old Irish whiskey from Teeling.
- Weekly Review: Claxton’s Glenrothes 19 Year Old (1997): A review of a 19-year-old single cask Glenrothes whisky.
- Reviewing Compass Box 3 Year Old Deluxe & Spice Tree Extravaganza: This review covers two new expressions from Compass Box, including a 3-year-old whisky.
