As a whiskey enthusiast, I couldn’t be more excited to share my thoughts on Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Château De Laubade II. Released in 2022, this unique bourbon follows its predecessor, the well-regarded Château De Laubade, in the tradition of marrying fine American bourbon with French Armagnac flair. The second release, however, brings a new twist: blending a 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon and a 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon before finishing them in Château de Laubade Armagnac casks for 16 months.
photo credit: bardstownbourbon.com
Table of Contents
Bardstown Chateau De Laubade II Overview
Product History
This expression is the second iteration of their collaboration with the Château De Laubade, a renowned French brandy-maker. While the initial release featured a 12-year-old Indiana bourbon, the 2022 Château De Laubade II utilizes a blend of 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon and 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon.
Price Range
In terms of pricing, the Bardstown 2022 Château de Laubade Armagnac Cask Finish bourbon is priced at around $180-$185 per 750ml bottle. Given that this is a limited release with a unique finishing process, the price tag aligns with similar offerings in the market.
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 apricots, accompanied by sweet notes of brown sugar, toffee, and molasses. Additionally, I could detect subtle hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, which gave the nose a nice spiciness, while sage and oak added a touch of earthiness. Lastly, refreshing hints of pear and citrus rounded out the bouquet nicely.
Flavor
As I took my first sip, the flavors of oak and char from the bourbon mingled with the Armagnac’s sweetness, providing a layered and complex experience. On my palate, I could taste the sweetness of vanilla, brown sugar, and golden raisins, as well as the fruitiness of apples, pears, and stone fruits. The 107 proof definitely made its presence known, bringing warmth and depth to the more delicate flavors.
The flavor profile was further enhanced by the underlying spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The corn, which makes up a significant portion of the bourbon’s mash bill, added a subtle sweetness, while the Armagnac barrels imparted flavors of dates and tobacco.
Finish
The finish on the Bardstown Château de Laubade II was long and satisfying, with the lingering sweetness of toffee and the spiciness of cinnamon and cloves. Furthermore, I could taste warm oak and char, along with hints of tobacco, which provided a pleasant, smoky finish.
Rating
In conclusion, I would rate the Bardstown Château de Laubade II 10 out of 10. It’s a unique and well-balanced blend of flavors, showcasing the best of both bourbon and Armagnac. The combination of fruits, spices, and oak makes for a delectable and memorable whiskey experience.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org
When it comes to mixing Bardstown Château de Laubade II, you’ll want to choose mixers that complement its unique blend of 12-year-old Kentucky and 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon, finished in Laubade Armagnac casks for 16 months. I’ve found that this American whiskey pairs well with these mixers:
- Ginger ale: A timeless classic that adds a touch of spice and refreshment to the whiskey.
- Club soda: Ideal for those who prefer a more subtle addition, allowing the whiskey’s flavor to shine through.
- Sweet Vermouth: For fans of rye-based cocktails like the Manhattan, sweet vermouth adds an extra layer of complexity to this whiskey.
Cocktail Suggestions
photo credit: pxhere.com
Bardstown Château de Laubade II is versatile enough to be used in various whiskey cocktails. Here are a few of my suggestions:
- Old Fashioned: A classic cocktail that elevates the whiskey’s flavor with sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel.
- Whiskey Sour: The combination of lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters brings out the fruity notes of the American whiskey.
- Boulevardier: Swap out the traditional rye for Bardstown Château de Laubade II to create a unique, rich version of this Campari and sweet vermouth-based cocktail.
Food Pairings
photo credit: www.pexels.com
Pairing Bardstown Château de Laubade II with the right foods can heighten the whiskey’s flavors and provide a delightful dining experience. Here are my top food pairing suggestions:
- Aged cheeses: Blue cheese, sharp cheddar, or gouda all work well to bring out the whiskey’s richness.
- Cured meats: Charcuterie with prosciutto or salami can complement the whiskey’s robustness.
- Smoky barbecued meats: Ribs, brisket, or pulled pork can enhance the whiskey’s smoky notes.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Bardstown Bourbon Company has done a fantastic job with their Château De Laubade II release. This whiskey is a blend of 12-year-old Kentucky Bourbon and 10-year-old Dickel, which has been finished in Laubade Armagnac casks. The result is a unique and flavorful bourbon blend that showcases the distillery’s skill and expertise.
If you’re a fan of bourbon or looking to expand your palate with something new, I’d definitely recommend giving Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Château De Laubade II a try.
Related Posts
- If you’re interested in the unique color of a particular whisky, check out this Weekly Review : A look at Beinn Dubh (Black Whisky). It talks about the Speyside Distillery’s launch of their ruby-black whisky.
- Are you fascinated by limited releases and experimental projects? You might enjoy Dream Dram: Reviewing Bruichladdich’s Octomore 7.4 – Virgin Oak. This whiskey by Bruichladdich was part of a secretly laid project in 2008.
- For those who appreciate the work of independent bottlers in the industry, the Weekly Review: Wemyss Malts Single Cask releases 2016 is worth a read. It covers Wemyss Malts’ first Single Cask release of that year.
- Want to learn about a whisky with some history? The Weekly Review: Claxton’s Glentauchers 18 Years Old (1996) will take you back to the early years of Scotland’s renowned whisky industry.
If you’re looking for more information on Glen Scotia’s products, the Weekly Review: Glen Scotia Double Cask provides insights on Glen Scotia’s official website.
