There are some bottles you buy out of curiosity, and then there are bottles you grab because the story behind them feels too interesting to ignore. This collaboration between Bardstown Bourbon Company and T8KE falls squarely into that second category. A blend of Kentucky straight bourbons and a 33-year-old Canadian corn whiskey is not something you see every day, and it immediately raises questions about balance, intention, and execution.
After missing the initial 2025 release, finding it discounted in 2026 made the decision easy. With Bardstown’s reputation for transparency and T8KE’s track record of strong picks, expectations were already set pretty high going in. The standout here is clearly the Canadian whiskey portion, a component that could easily make or break the blend depending on how it integrates.
Age Statement: +7 years.
ABV: 62.75% (Cask strength).
Blend:
47% 9-year Kentucky bourbon (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley).
27% 9-year Kentucky bourbon (78% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley).
21% 33-year Canadian corn whiskey (100% corn).
5% 7-year Kentucky bourbon (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley).
Area of Distillation: Kentucky & Canada.
Appearance: Deep golden espresso.
On the nose:
The nose opens surprisingly soft for something at this proof. Sweetness leads the way with stewed fruits, applesauce, and a dusting of cinnamon. There’s a noticeable creaminess layered with icing sugar and a gentle herbal spice from the rye. The Canadian whiskey shows itself through a lifted sweetness, bringing in maple syrup vibes and a rounded corn-driven softness. Underneath that, the Kentucky bourbons add structure with oak, char, and a subtle pipe tobacco note that feels more nostalgic than bold.
Taste:
The sip starts with classic Kentucky bourbon weight. Dark oak, fig, and candied fruit come through first, followed by a wave of dry baking spices. Then it shifts. The Canadian component introduces a buttery, almost creamy corn sweetness that feels distinct from traditional bourbon notes. Caramel chews, brown butter, and soft wood sugars fill out the mid-palate. There’s a slight metallic edge early on, but it fades quickly as the whiskey opens up, giving way to a more cohesive and layered experience.
Finish:
The finish is long and evolving. Sweet tobacco, cinnamon butter, and baked bread notes linger, creating a warm and slightly decadent close. As it sits, more fruit notes emerge, including pear, plum, and apple, adding complexity without overwhelming the core profile.
Final Thoughts:
This is one of those blends that shouldn’t work on paper as well as it does in the glass. The Canadian whiskey doesn’t just play a supporting role, it actively elevates the blend by enhancing sweetness and approachability, while the Kentucky bourbons anchor everything with depth and structure. At the original $170 price point, it asks a lot, but delivers enough to justify it. At $110, it feels like an outright steal. This isn’t an everyday pour, but it’s absolutely a bottle worth sharing and revisiting.
Rating: A (Excellent).
Cost: $109.99 for 750ml.
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