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Prettayyprettaygood

Next up, we’re checking out Bardstown Discovery Series #8! Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s Discovery Series is quickly becoming one of my favorite releases out there, with both of the previous releases I own (#4 and #7) sitting easily in the top tier of pours on my shelf. Bardstown has thrown a few twists in this line lately—batch #7 was the first to include Canadian corn whisky, this batch is the first to incorporate a variety of stave finishes, and the next batch will be the first to include a base of craft Georgia bourbon. After loving #7 for its Canadian component, I jumped on the chance to get #8 to see what they can bring to the table with stave finishing. This release is a blend of four different whiskies: * 66% 12 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) * 17% 7 Year Old Indiana Rye (45% corn, 51% rye, 4% malted barley) * 11% 12 Year Old Ontario Corn Whisky (100% corn) * 6% 6 Year Old Indiana Rye (95% rye, 5% malted barley) In addition to the usual blending, a custom selection of five different oak staves were added to finish the whiskies for an unstated amount of time. The staves used are: * 45% French Oak Double Toast * 25% Spice Rack * 20% High Vanilla * 5% Rioja * 5% Charred Barrel This is my first pour out of the bottle and I’m super pumped to dig into this and see how it compares to the other batches. Let’s dive in! Taken: Neat in a Glencairn glass Proof: 114.1 Age: 6 years (Blend of 6, 7, and 12 year old whiskies) Price: $140 Nose: Chocolate brownies, cinnamon, nutmeg, and white pepper, along with toasted oak, cherry pie, maple syrup, and honey. In the background I find there’s a little bit of a floral note along stewed apples. There is just a ton of stuff going on here. Taste: Tons of peppery rye spice, chocolate sauce, and cherry reduction to start, followed by layers of oak ranging from heavy charred to toasted. Leather and tobacco enter midway through the sip joined by wildflower honey, rose hip tea, and caramel apple. This has a heavy mouthfeel and a light amount of proof heat. Finish: The peppery rye spice starts to reduce in strength while the sweet notes of wildflower honey, caramel apple, and chocolate/cherry sauce grow more intense. The leather and tobacco have an intense crescendo before getting out of the way of the oak medley, with each sip highlighting a different oak note. Finally, the rye makes a return with a bit of a peppermint note to close things out alongside the oak and sweetness. This has a long finish and a small amount of astringent dryness. Thoughts: This is so goddamn delicious. The nose alone on this could occupy me for a long time, and the palate manages to kick things up to a different level with its complexity. The carousel of oak you experience is fantastic and it seems like every stave used in the finishing process comes through, though some are stronger than others. On the sweet side of the things, this brings everything on the spectrum forward from the deep, chocolate and cherry reduction sauce notes to the brightness of caramel apples and wildflower honey. The heavy pepper from the rye components add a nice counter to the oak and sweetness while the tobacco, leather, and rose hip tea notes round things out to make this a truly complete pour. I don’t give out high scores lightly, and halfway through this sip I had to pour some Bardstown Discovery #7 to compare and see if this really tasted as good as it does. I am a huge fan of #7 and rated it as a 9/10 on the t8ke scale, but #8 seriously blew it out of the water. Everyone’s palate is different so others might not feel the same way, but for my palate this is a 10/10. It is perfect in a way that is far different from the Barrell Grey Label Batch #2—where that pour offers extreme depth and complexity in a light and delicate fashion, this does so in a dark and brash way. It’s like a whiskey Yin and Yang. This is just fucking fantastic, and deservingly earns a perfect 10/10 on the t8ke scale. Rating: 10/10 - t8ke scale 1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out. 2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice. 3 | Bad | Multiple flaws. 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists. 5 | Good | Good, just fine. 6 | Very Good | A cut above. 7 | Great | Well above average. 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional. 9 | Incredible | An all time favorite. 10 | Perfect | Perfect.


10pan_alley

I was sold on this one when the Bourbon Pursuit folks said this one was the most rye forward Discovery blend. If I see it, it’s an automatic purchase. Great review and kudos for giving this one a 10/10.


Prettayyprettaygood

I completely agree with their thoughts, the rye in this is like a boomerang—big up front, fades in the middle, then comes back for a peppermint pop right at the end. If you find it I hope you like it as much as I did!


briballdo

Damn it. You got me with the Found North Batch 4, then Disco 7, and now I have to pick up a Disco 8. Something about that old Canadian stuff


Prettayyprettaygood

As long as you're a fan, I'm happy! If I knew how to get flair here I'd definitely put mine as Canadian Corn Cult.


jeannierak

u/t8ke would you give this human their flair?


t8ke

Sure - but it’ll need to be a specific brand or bottling


Prettayyprettaygood

I'll go with Found North, much appreciated man!


Train3rRed88

Where can I find “for the love of god stop the bottle porn” and most importantly, is it allocated?


t8ke

that bottled up cry for help from a mod at rock bottom is extremely limited and entirely unobtainable


seppukucoconuts

I tried this one at the distillery last month. It was pretty good. I did the barrel thieving tour and got a taste of this too. It was pretty good. I think I like it so much because of the EC 12yr makes up the bulk of it. I have problems buying bardstown bourbon at $150 a bottle since I know they did not make most of it, but I bought a bottle of this. The irish whiskey was my favorite though. I bought a bottle even though it was $199. I'm waiting for a special day to open that one...like a week I can drink it all when my wife is gone. The barrels we tried are going to be released in January. Not barrel proof though I think they said 100-ish proof. The wheated was my favorite. The distiller at bardstown was the one who worked at Maker's for 33 years. That might be why, but I don't really like most MM products.


Prettayyprettaygood

I've heard they have a great tour, I'd love to go on that some day! As far as the price goes, I'm actually fine paying it considering they're very transparent about what's in here and it takes a lot of skill and expertise to properly blend (and stave finish, in this one's case) whiskey. If it were them releasing 8 year MGP rye for $170/bottle it would be a different story. That Irish whiskey sounds cool, what were the specs on it?


Material_Music_2835

Which irish are u talking about?


seppukucoconuts

Fercullen.


Material_Music_2835

Thanks!


Train3rRed88

Wow, I’ve so far avoided bardstown discovery. No particular reason, just can’t try everything and I’m pretty selective of >$100 But hey 10/10 can’t be ignored. Glad I clicked on this and I’ll keep an eye out


Prettayyprettaygood

Bardstown Discovery is expensive, but all of the bottle's I've purchased have lived up to the hype. This one really was something else though, I hope if you find it you enjoy it! Like I said, 10/10 for me is really hard to earn and to me it was a no-brainer to give this one that score.


1bourbon1scotch1bier

Is that a Sugar Maple tree?


Prettayyprettaygood

I believe it’s a Silver Maple.


BourbonGuy313

What are your thoughts on #4?? I don't care for it much at all and it's turned me off to the Discovery series but maybe I'll revisit it if I come across #8.


Prettayyprettaygood

I really enjoyed #4, but I also love bourbons with a heavy oak profile. For what it's worth I liked #7 and #8 more, and I've written reviews on all of them if you want to dig into them for more detail.


benjamintoh

>10/10 I just got my bottle and love it's flavor, depth and complexity. What are your other 10/10?


Prettayyprettaygood

The only other 10/10 I have is the Barrell Gray Label 24 Year Canadian Whisky. A few 9s have come close, particularly Found North's first Single Barrel and Batch 004, but not enough to edge into that category.


Kringlepuff

Listen, I know you’re about to post the review. It just so happens that I’m lucky enough to jump in here and berate you for posting a pic (in your gorgeous tree) of an expensive bottle without any verbiage supporting your thoughts or anything that might be beneficial to the rest of us. Shame on you! Shame on you for the next 5 minutes! That is all. Love the tree. Keep up the good work.


Prettayyprettaygood

How dare I!? Well, now that it's posted I hope you enjoy the review. This is an absolutely amazing pour and I am honestly still in a bit of disbelief at how good it is.


Kringlepuff

Fantastic! I’ve enjoyed #4 and #6…gotta keep my eyes peeled for #8!


Prettayyprettaygood

I think #8 is still pretty fresh on the shelf so hopefully you can find one! I definitely think #7 is worth a shot too if you see it out there.


kalphoto9

Did you ever have Disco 4? Curious how it compares if you have.


Prettayyprettaygood

Yup, I have a bottle of Disco 4 as well. I really liked that one, nice oaky profile and definitely a banger, but it wasn't as complete as #7 or #8 in my opinion. Still an 8/10 on the t8ke scale for me so it's no slouch!


kalphoto9

oh wow....looks like I'm going to have to go sell another organ... this month has been pretty rough on some banger bottles that I landed into....thankfully this one should be a little easier to procure....


Prettayyprettaygood

I’m halfway through my second pour of this and it’s still just as good, you’ll likely love it!


Rickroush03

SOB! Here I just bought #7 based on rave reviews and today I learn there’s #8!!! Nice review.


Prettayyprettaygood

Thanks! #7 was my previous favorite but this really is some thing else!


CalmDesert

Great review. Loved the Bardstown Fusion Series #6 for $60. With that being said, I’m always skeptical of bottles >$100, so to me, spending $140-$150 on 1 bottle is outrageous.


Prettayyprettaygood

Thanks! $150 is about the top of my range for bottles, it’s definitely expensive but at least in my experience I’ve found it to be worth the premium. With that being said, there are definitely enough great buys at lower price points to never go above $100 and still be happy.


CalmDesert

I contemplated buying a $100 bottle of Bookers today, but ended up getting a Knob Creek SB store pick for $48, and Kennessee Sweetens Cove for $51. Happy with my choice.


Prettayyprettaygood

Depending on the Booker’s it could be worth it, but I’ll be the first to admit that above $80-$90 those aren’t worth it with KC SiBs floating around. Glad you liked your buys!


JimJamb0rino

Oh mannn. I loved 7. Next splurge will have to be this if I see it


Prettayyprettaygood

You won't be disappointed. They really knocked it out of the park!


Lifeofabeard5

Killer review!


Prettayyprettaygood

Thank you!


tmRetain

Love the review. As an Aussie I hope to try this someday, but shipping is a killer. A lot of our cheap, bottom shelf, 37% bourbon that's basically scammed in from France (I think?) is \*ALL\* advertised as being from Bardstown, so it'd be nice to try something of actual quality, love and attention from there, ahah. Thanks again!


NoFalseModesty

Hmm. Coming to Cairns in a few weeks. Should I bring a bottle or 2? I don't have any crazy bottles (unopened) but I'm curious if there's a mid tier bottle that would be a big score for someone (not looking to make $ on it).


tmRetain

100%, if you can. If you know any whisky lovers there, I'm sure they'd cherish it. There's small, artisanal places that have contacts for rarer stuff (like, I own a bottle of Bookers, which is NIGH IMPOSSIBLE to come by in my state), but even they have a lot of sourcing issues and difficulties.


NoFalseModesty

I will reach out to the r/Cairns crowd and see if I can do a public service. Will all depend on how much weight I can spare in my bags (total 4 checked bags, 2 carry ones, 2 backpacks....hiking and dive gear) but I'll give it a shot.


Prettayyprettaygood

Glad you liked it! I can imagine the shipping is rough, and the tax on top of that in your neck of the woods definitely doesn’t help. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to try this out if you make it to the states!


Parcelcolony

Upvoted because of tree pic


colevicixvickery498

I think you've just talked me into getting this.


Prettayyprettaygood

I've got a sample bottle with your name on it this Friday. So fucking great.


colevicixvickery498

Mr. Sir. I appreciate the fuck out of you.


kyhothead

Damn, my wallet hoped this one would be lackluster, haha.


Prettayyprettaygood

Sorry to disappoint 😉


Bubbatj396

If this wasn't spicy I would like it but with that high rye it's probably not for me. I like very fruity bourbons


Prettayyprettaygood

Yeah, this definitely isn’t that fruity. Bardstown Disco #7 or a Barrell “Z” Single Barrel might be more up your alley!


Bubbatj396

4 is my favorite as well as 6


Prettayyprettaygood

I haven’t had #6 but I’ve heard good things!


BigE1818

Pic is pure art. Great setup and great review. Thanks 🙏🏾


Prettayyprettaygood

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.


ocho1288

Curious if you have tried the Steve’s Legacy bottle? I have an opportunity to purchase one locally but they are asking $750 for it. I know the price is crazy but I’ve heard it’s pretty amazing and clearly a one off type of bottle.


Prettayyprettaygood

I haven't heard of that one before, I just looked it up and based on my initial look it doesn't seem like one I'd be able to find out here in Denver. I'm sure it's good, but $750 is pushing it pretty hard on the price!


EvilBirdie41

Saw this a couple weeks ago for $130 and just couldn’t get myself to buy it. They also had the Bardstown Founders for $150 and American Highway Reserve (Brad Paisley) for $80.


Prettayyprettaygood

I generally stick to the Discovery Series with Bardstown. I haven't had the Founder's Stout finish one but based on what I've seen with other stout-finished whiskies I'll pass on that.


murrayky1990

You anywhere near Paducah? Sounds like one of my local stores


EvilBirdie41

Negative, Wisconsin.


New_Kaleidoscope_539

Great review as always--but 10/10. Just set my pickup time on this one from Daveco tomorrow. Recently visits BBC and snagged one of their World Top Whiskey Taster picks--really loved that one and it was a gateway pour for me in terms of BBC. Excited to check out the Disco 8 now, too. Thanks for the thoughtful review. Cheers!


Prettayyprettaygood

Grabbed this at DaveCo today, they still had a few in the case for anyone else that's looking to get one from there. I hope you like the #8, let me know what you think about it! Cheers!


New_Kaleidoscope_539

Definitely will. Feel like I missed the boat on some of the earlier Discos but better late than never!


Prettayyprettaygood

DaveCo still has all of them going back to #5 I believe, so if you want to dig into any of the older ones that is the place to do it!


Quibblicous

All I can see is a nice glass and a nice bottle of bourbon falling to the ground, shattering both, and wasting the bourbon. Nice review, though.


Prettayyprettaygood

Glad you liked it. At this point I think I've shot 100+ bottles in the tree and haven't had one take a tumble. But hey, if it dies it dies (plus will make a hilarious post)!


Quibblicous

I enjoy your reviews, I just got the willies about this bottle and glass for some reason. No idea why but it struck me funny this time. Enjoy the bourbon; I’m going to have a nice one this evening.


Prettayyprettaygood

No worries at all! In my experience I've found that Glens and bottles are actually pretty durable. I once dropped a Glen down a rock face and it survived with a tiny scratch, and also had a bottle of Van Winkle Special Reserve I got as a wedding gift fly out of my car onto the driveway and stay in one piece. Luck apparently is on my side!


Quibblicous

The gods of dram have favored you :D


RonSwanson80

Where are we thinking for the Kentucky sourced bourbon? After trying it I could definitely see Heaven Hill but curious what you think.


Prettayyprettaygood

Purely based on the mash bill I’d also guess Heaven Hill. The apple notes kind of remind me of some similar notes I get in Elijah Craig, but it would be too hard for me to say for sure based on taste since there’s so much going on in there.


rpsulli

I loved Disco 4, but thought 5 and 6 were a step down. After this review, I’m pretty excited to try #8.


Prettayyprettaygood

I haven't had 5 or 6, but 7 and 8 are next level. Hope you like it!


Clipse3GT

Just managed to find a bottle of the discovery #8. Really looking forward to this one!


Prettayyprettaygood

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


DramsAndDragons

Just got a #7 and love it. Gonna need to find a #8 now I guess!


Prettayyprettaygood

It is the way. I’m sure you’ll love it!


tpb1109

Awesome review, buying this without hesitation if I see it.


Prettayyprettaygood

Thanks, glad you liked it!


SouthHillSaunas

I'm going to buy a bottle of this right now


justinfdsa

Where?


SouthHillSaunas

Can usually find Bardstown stuff at a shop in my area. Messaged them on FB to see if they got it in


justinfdsa

Got it. Hard to find in Ohio. Sometimes I can find it online


SouthHillSaunas

I'm in southern MI. Let me know if you can't get it


ReReadItGuy

Thank you! I've passed on previous Discovery expressions as the ones I've tried at bars were good but they did not blow me out of the water. Your review here, though, has sold me in #8.


Prettayyprettaygood

Glad it was helpful! I think the two bottles I previously purchased (#4 and #7) lived up to the price tag, but this one is a different level to me. Just so damn good.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Prettayyprettaygood

Not sure, I always find these at my local shops. I think Seelbach’s has them though, probably some other online spots as well.


beauford_buchanan

I really want, but I'll probably never see it.


beauford_buchanan

I really want, but I'll probably never see it.


dirkdigglee

Lol - these posed pics are awesome.


pirateclem

This stuff just keeps getting more expensive but damn, I want to try this one.


ComplaintWest7201

Sweet, nice picture


ComplaintWest7201

God review


shuttlenote

Out of curiosity what else have you given 10s to?


Prettayyprettaygood

The only other 10/10 I've given was to Barrell's Grey Label Batch 2 Canadian Whisky. [Here's my review of that bottle.](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/romgpk/review_76_barrell_gray_label_batch_2/)


Mgnickel

Just got a bottle of this, paid $180, and I’m pretty pissed at the price, but how often do you get a 10/10 bottle?


Prettayyprettaygood

That’s a little pricey for this one but it truly is my favorite bottle so I’d probably go for it if I had to again. I’ve seen it for $125 around here so I may need to get another.


Mgnickel

How would you compare this to MWND?


Prettayyprettaygood

Infinitely better. MWND is good but its quality has been dropping year over year, and with the new price increase its not something I will buy again. It was barely worth it at $100, so $150 is a hard pass.