Bardstown Bourbon Co. Fusion Series #8

Blend of two four year Bardstown bourbon mashbills plus 30% of a 12 year Kentucky bourbon (exact mashbills of each in the photo below). 95.5 proof. Been holding this for 7 months, time to taste, neat. Light copper color and light coating legs in the glass. Nose is light: floral grain, sweet fruit, and vanilla, with a hint of smoke char in the background. Sweet stone fruit and caramel corn, with a followup of tannic oak, ethanol, and grassy and baking spices. Cherry and peppery mint. Finish is long and dry, with light fruity sweetness, tingling mint, sharp tannic oak, and dry/spicy grass. Clean, not sour, aftertaste. An ice cube brings out the "juicy fruit" flavors by tamping down the oak and spice. That's ok too, but I kinda like the battling sweet/tannic/spice flavors when neat--nice balance of competing elements in a bourbon that's lighter (95.5 proof, isn't that light) than the barrel proofs I seem to surround myself with these days. The price is ok for a Bardstown, maybe a little high for a blend, but no regrets about this purchase. As always, I will revisit this review as I taste-down this bottle.