I’m pouring out a few samples for our ( our as in @Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington @pkingmartin @ctbeck11 and @Richard-ModernDrinking ) online tasting in a few weeks. This one is one of my contributions. So, while pouring out some samples, I poured myself a wee dram into a glencairn….middle of the week, and out of character. But YOLO. I was never a fan of Plantation rum. In fact, the few times I’ve had it ( usually at a friend’s), I felt as if I either need to pour it down the drain, or mix it into some colorful sugary cocktail. But I put my hesitation to the side, and gave the benefit of doubt to Bardstown’s blending skills. The only other blender I’d blindly buy would be Barrell. A $150, about 80% more than a blend by Barrell, is a steep price for a risk to take. But in this case, was well worth it . Generally I find rum finished bourbons unbalanced, where the rum is pushed to the forefront, leaving the bourbon notes as an afterthought. Bardstown did a damn good job of combining molasses, vanilla, oak, fig, and chocolates. Really well balanced, well blended. The finish lingers with notes of coffee and molasses. For those that aren’t a fan of sweet rum or rum finished bourbon, give this one a try. Deviates from the norm, for the better.