Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery 2026
112.8 proof | Aged 7, 10 & 11 years | 750mL — Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery 2026 is a blend of 55% 10-year Indiana bourbon, 25% 11-year Kentucky bourbon, and 20% 7-year Kentucky bourbon — finished four months in custom-made Garryana oak barrels from Oregon.
The Discovery series is Bardstown's flagship annual blend, and 2026 marks the first time the release is named for its year rather than a series number. For this edition, high-floor barrels were selected for their balance of fruit and oak, then finished in Garryana oak — an Oregon native white oak prized for its intense spice character — making this only the second Bardstown release to use it. Expect the signature Discovery depth, amplified by Garryana's clove-and-nutmeg signature. The bottle again features label art by Louisville artist Margaret Archambault.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Toasted oak, burnt sugar, and baked apple cobbler.
- Palate: Dried cherry and cinnamon bark.
- Finish: Long and warming, accented by Garryana oak's distinctive clove and nutmeg spice.
Why Buy It
- The first "Discovery" named by year rather than number — a series milestone.
- A powerful bourbon blend of 7-, 10-, and 11-year stocks, bottled at 112.8 proof.
- Finished four months in rare custom-made Oregon Garryana oak barrels for amplified spice.
- An annual collector release in the top-shelf tier — past Discoveries are coveted by American whiskey fans.
- Collectible Archambault label art, consistent with the series.
How to Enjoy
Neat at first to meet the Garryana spice head-on, then with a splash of water — high-proof blends like this bloom beautifully with dilution. A slow evening pour for serious bourbon drinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Bardstown Discovery 2026?
112.8 proof (56.4% ABV).
What is Garryana oak?
Garryana (Oregon white oak) is a native Pacific Northwest oak species whose barrels impart unusually intense spice — clove and nutmeg — along with the usual caramelized oak character. This is only Bardstown's second release finished in Garryana barrels.
Is Discovery 2026 a limited release?
Yes — the Discovery series is Bardstown's annual flagship blend, released once a year in limited quantities. When our allocation sells out, it's gone until the next vintage.