BARDSTOWN, KY (March 17, 2026) — Bardstown Bourbon Company is heading to the Pacific Northwest for its latest innovation. Today, the distillery announced Cascadia Garryana Oak Barrel Finish, the newest addition to its experimental Distillery Reserve series.
Garryana oak (Oregon White Oak) is a rare, protected hardwood native to the Willamette Valley. Known for a dense grain that slows oxidation, it imparts a flavor profile more akin to French Oak than traditional American White Oak, offering deep notes of clove and nutmeg.
The Craft Behind the Blend
Cascadia begins with a curated blend of three bourbons aged 9 and 10 years. The whiskey was finished for 10 months in 10 custom barrels from Oregon Barrel Works. These barrels underwent a specialized three-hour toast to penetrate the “red layer” of the wood, followed by a summer of high-floor maturation in Bardstown for maximum extraction.
“It was a thrill to partner with Oregon Barrel Works, who truly operates from tree to barrel. The definition of hands-on artisan coopering,” said Dan Callaway, Master Blender. “Its structure and chemistry create a flavor experience unlike any other—rich, spicy, and deeply expressive of its origin. This release is a celebration of craftsmanship and the beauty of regional terroir.”
Tasting Notes & Availability
- Aroma: Decadent maple, toasted oak, toffee, and vanilla crème.
- Palate: Full-bodied baked cherry, cigar box, and butterscotch.
- Finish: Medium tannins coated with rich wood sugar.
Cascadia Garryana Oak is bottled at 107.5 proof and retails for $99.99 (375mL). It will be available starting March 20, 2026, exclusively at the Bardstown Bourbon Co. gift shop and the Louisville Tasting Room.
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