The Bardstown 2024 Collection Boasts Offerings from a Distillery Dream Team, Including James B. Beam’s Oldest Whiskey Ever

The 2024 Bardstown Collection just arrived, and features the oldest whiskey from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Photo: Bardstown Collection 2024)

The Bardstown Collection 2024 release is set to be unveiled during National Bourbon Week from June 11 to June 16, and this collection features the oldest whiskey the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has ever made. The whiskey was aged for almost two decades, and the brand claims they’re sure it will be a “fan favorite.”

The collection includes whiskeys from other bourbon heavy hitters like Heaven Hill and Beam. Those interested in tasting the collection can purchase tickets for The Bardstown Collection Release Party, which is set to take place on June 11 at My Old Kentucky Home.

“In Bardstown, bourbon isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life,” Chairman of Bardstown Tourism Jeff Crowe said in a statement. “The Bardstown Collection 2024 is a testament to the traditions and dedication that define our town as the heart of bourbon culture. The attention to detail, level of craftsmanship, and most importantly superlative flavor profiles are why we say that Bourbon Comes From Bardstown.”

The Bardstown Collection debuted in 2022, and Food & Wine reported that it sold out in short order. Many have considered The Bardstown Collection as a worthy challenger to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in terms of prestige.

In April 2023, Bardstown unveiled its collection which featured whiskeys from 6 distilleries. The collection included bourbons from Heaven Hill, Log Still, James B. Beam, Lux Row, Bardstown Bourbon Company and Preservation Distillery.

The 2024 Bardstown Collection in Depth

Preservation Distillery & Farms

Preservation Distillery & Farms unveiled a cask-strength blend featuring the brand’s wheated pot-distilled Kentucky bourbon casks. It was blended with some of the brand’s heavily prized vintage bourbon casks.

Heaven Hill Distillery

Heaven Hill released three blended bourbon barrels from 7 to 16 years. The bourbon hosts a proof of 105 and features the brand’s mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley. The brand claims due to its extended age, it has aromas of spice, leather and toasted oak with cinnamon and caramel.

Lux Row Distillers

Lux Row is providing a blended bourbon composed of three single barrels from the brand’s wheated recipe that was aged for six years. The bourbon went through a finishing process with toasted caramel honey staves. The mashbill hosts percentages of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. The whiskey possesses a rich and full-bodied finish according to the brand.

Limestone Branch Distillery

This whiskey hosts a mashbill that is almost 100 years old and dates back to the 1930s. The brand’s Bardstown 2024 offering is 6 years old and is a pot-distilled wheater made with 28% red winter wheat. The whiskey is complex and approachable according to the brand.

Log Still Distillery

Log Still’s offering is 9 years old. The whiskey possesses caramel aromas, with smoke and oak. The palate is full of spices with mild honeyed sweetness and a smooth finish, with plenty of warmth.

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Bardstown claimed its focus this year was blending traditional Kentucky flavors with a distinctively innovative approach. The resulting bourbon is full of ripe cherries, cinnamon and toasted oak aromas.

James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This latest release is the oldest offering from James B. Beam and hosts an age statement that’s nearly 20 years old. The brand describes the bourbon as possessing intense oak flavors, vanilla and sweet smoke.

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