Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend Whiskey Review

Here’s something you don’t see every day: a blend of Kentucky Bourbons and Japanese Single Malts. Bardstown Bourbon Company suggests there’s nowhere it won’t go.

 

The idea began with finding a way to recover the angel’s share loss in Bourbon barrels. Obviously, the angels aren’t going to hand their share back to you, but there’s vacant space in the barrel. Bardstown Bourbon collaborated with Mars Whisky and opted to fill the void with two of its Japanese Single Malt whiskies. The whiskeys mingled for a full year before being blended. The result of that experiment is called Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend.

 

The first component consists of two Kentucky Bourbons: a 10-year-old 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley, and a 16-year-old 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley.

 

“This project is about more than blending—it’s about true integration. By aging Japanese single malt whiskies together with Kentucky bourbon in the same barrel, we’ve created something entirely new. The result is a seamless conversation between two traditions, where neither overpowers the other, and both are elevated.” - Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Bardstown Bourbon Company

 

The second component is a 100% single malt from Mars Tsunuki Distillery, aged in Sakura (cherry wood) casks, and a 100% single malt from Mars Komagatake Distillery, aged in Umeshu (plum liqueur) casks.

 

“We are hopeful that this collaboration will open up new possibilities in the art of whiskey-making. By fusing the techniques and philosophies each company has cultivated, and by utilizing carefully selected base whisky, aging environments, and delicate blending techniques, we aim to create a new whiskey experience that combines depth and elegance.” - Mr. Kazuto Hombo, President of Hombo Shuzo Co

 

What’s in the 375mL bottle is a 54.9% ABV (109.8°) that retails for $99.99 in extremely limited quantities. It can be purchased only from the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery and its tasting room in Louisville.

 

Is it worth trying to acquire one? Let’s #DrinkCurious and find out. Before I get there, however, I must thank Bardstown Bourbon Company for providing me with a sample in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: Miscellaneous Whiskey
• Distiller: Bardstown Bourbon Co & Mars Whisky
• Age: 5 years (oldest component 16 years)
• Mashbill: A blend of the following whiskies
• 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley (69%) – Bardstown Bourbon Co
• 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley (8%) – Bardstown Bourbon Co
• 100% malted barley (20%) - Komagatake
• 100% malted barley (3%) - Tsunuki
• Cooperage: Bourbons aged in new, 53-gallon charred oak barrels, Komagatake aged in Umeshu (plum liqueur) casks, and Tsunuki aged in Sakura (cherry wood) casks.
• Alcohol Content: 54.9% ABV (109.8°)
• Price per 375mL: $99.99

 

Appearance: I used my trusty Glencairn nosing glass to explore this whiskey neat. The rusty color was gorgeous; however, I must stress that there’s no statement regarding the use of e130A, which is allowed in the production of Japanese whiskies. I observed a thicker rim that jettisoned slower, randomly spaced, husky tears.

 

Nose: I waited 15 minutes for the whiskey to oxidize properly. During that time, I couldn’t help but notice the intense smell of caramel in my whiskey library. As I brought the glass to my nose and began sniffing, I discovered aromas of rich caramel, toffee, cherries, chocolate, and oak. When I took the vapor into my mouth, I detected plums.

 

Palate: My initial sip yielded a buttery texture, with a ginger-spice palate shock. The second unveiled notes of toasted oak, butter pecan, and brown sugar on the front of my palate. The mid-palate featured tastes of vanilla cream, plums, and dried cherries. The back included ginger spice, Red Hots candy, and older leather.

 

Finish: Caramel, toasted oak, old leather, ginger spice, cinnamon, and even a touch of clove parked in my mouth. It was lengthy and grew warmer as time passed, clocking in at 1:42.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: I have so many thoughts after this sipping experience that I guess the nosing is the best place to start. I had a preconceived notion that the malt components would take center stage. I was stunned by how dense the caramel was, something that even many Bourbons don’t possess. I suspect the oakiness came from the single malts, with the fruit a byproduct of both.

 

I had no such expectations from Distillery Reserve’s texture and taste. The mouthfeel was luxurious; that ginger blast grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the palate’s bold spice married with the dessert-like sweetness.

 

I don’t believe this whiskey is one that you would even want to sip on casually. If you’re like me, you’ll put a ton of thought into what was happening inside your mouth. You might even glance at your glass repeatedly while trying to put the session into words. It drank right at its stated proof; if not a point or two higher.

 

Is the Distillery Reserve Mars Single Malt Japanese Blend a very expensive pour? Without a doubt. However, I would classify it as one of those experience whiskeys; one that is so unique that you don’t really care what it costs. I’m thrilled to have this one in my whiskey library; it deserves every bit of my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.