BARDSTOWN, Ky. (November 18, 2025) – Bardstown Bourbon Company continues its exploration of global flavor traditions with the release of Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish, the finale of its 2025 Distillery Reserve series. This limited, distillery-exclusive expression marries centuries of French Calvados heritage with the innovative bourbon craftsmanship that defines Bardstown Bourbon today.
Inspired by the once-restricted cider eau-de-vie that French Minister of State Jean-Baptiste Colbert sought to protect in the 1600s, this release brings the famed apple brandy influence—from the chalk cliffs of Normandy to the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The result is a rich and unexpected profile that honors both history and modern creativity.
As part of Bardstown Bourbon’s boundary-pushing Distillery Reserve program, Normandie joins previous 2025 releases Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, each showcasing the brand’s commitment to rare cask finishes, extended aging, and global collaboration.
“Three generations of meticulous craftsmanship and nearly 300 gold medals have made Christian Drouin House an icon of Calvados,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits. “Over the course of the past two years, these five barrels have become the apple of my eye – the most attention per barrel project aging in Bardstown. The result: a cross-continental conversation in a glass that bridges centuries of tradition on both sides of the Atlantic.”
A One-of-a-Kind Calvados Cask Experience
Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is crafted from five 59-gallon Calvados casks filled with a custom blend of 12- to 13-year-old bourbon. After 28 months of finishing, the whiskey was transferred into new, medium-toast American white oak to build layers of caramel, roasted almond, bakery spice, and soft vanilla. Crisp orchard fruit and gentle wood smoke complete the profile.
Release Details
- Proof: 104.2 (52.1% ABV)
- Format: 375mL
- Price: $99.99
- Availability:
- Bardstown Bourbon Distillery Gift Shop
- Louisville Tasting Room
- Launching Black Friday, November 28, 2025
- Extremely limited quantities
Exclusive 2025 Distillery Reserve Raffle
For the first time, Bardstown Bourbon will host a digital raffle, giving fans the chance to purchase all three 2025 Distillery Reserve releases—including Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak—and participate in tasting experiences with Master Blender Dan Callaway.
Details will be shared exclusively through the Bardstown Bourbon email list. Fans can sign up at BardstownBourbon.com.
About Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company is redefining modern American whiskey with state-of-the-art distillation, progressive blending, and guest experiences that set a new standard on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Recognized as Icons of Whisky Global Brand Innovator of the Year (2025) and Whisky Advocate’s highest-rated American Whiskey (2024), Bardstown Bourbon continues leading the industry toward greater transparency, collaboration, and innovation. Bardstown Bourbon Co. is part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest American whiskey distillers in the United States.
Learn more at BardstownBourbon.com.
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