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What happens when you take 300-year-old French oak trees selected for Notre Dame Cathedral's restoration and turn them into bourbon barrels? Dan Calloway and Pete Marino of Bardstown Bourbon Company join us to reveal the remarkable story behind their Cathedral French Oak Barrel Finish - a whiskey that connects French architectural history with Kentucky distilling expertise.

"The cardinal sin we broke on barrel aging is you never really want to double barrel old bourbon because it'd be too dry, too tannic," explains Calloway. Yet this risk produced something extraordinary - a blend of Kentucky bourbons up to 19 years old, finished for 14 months in just six precious barrels made from the same oak chosen to repair one of the world's most iconic cathedrals.

The conversation goes deeper than just this special release. We explore Bardstown Bourbon Company's meteoric rise in the whiskey world, their philosophy of transparency and collaboration, and how they balance contract distillation with distinctive brand development. NFL legend Jared Allen even calls in to discuss the bourbon landscape and what makes Bardstown's approach unique.

Throughout our discussion, the themes of innovation and quality shine through. "The formula for our success is a combination of incredible people who are deeply passionate about what they do," Marino shares, "and we've got an ownership group and a leadership team that are not afraid to take chances and do crazy things." This mindset has propelled Bardstown from industry newcomer to respected innovator in just a decade.

We conclude with a comprehensive tasting of the Cathedral Oak itself, exploring its complex profile of the three classic Kentucky bourbon tasting notes with dark fruits and the perfect balance between wood influence and sweetness. For whiskey lovers seeking something truly special, this rare expression represents bourbon at its most innovative and historically significant.

Grab a glass and join us for this fascinating exploration of whiskey craftsmanship where French history meets Kentucky spirit!

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ChiTucky Bourbon Brothers take a deep dive into the newest release of Buffalo Trace's legendary Sazerac 18 Rye Whiskey, a cornerstone of their coveted Antique Collection. After years of mixed reviews, this 2024 expression marks a triumphant return to form that has whiskey enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.

We explore the fascinating history behind this elusive spirit, from competing origin stories to the transition from steel tank aging to traditional barrel maturation. Despite its modest 90 proof bottling strength, Sazerac 18 delivers remarkable complexity without overwhelming the palate. The nose offers inviting aromas of cherry lozenges, leather, and oak without any harsh alcohol burn, while the taste reveals a perfectly balanced symphony of subtle rye spice, cinnamon, and vanilla that drinks more like a high-quality bourbon than a typical spicy rye.

Whether you're a dedicated whiskey collector or simply appreciate the artistry behind America's finest spirits, this Sazerac 18 deserves a place in your tasting journey. Subscribe to our podcast for more deep dives into exceptional whiskeys and join our community of passionate bourbon enthusiasts.