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Episode 394 May 15, 2024 · 43:36
394. Bardstown Bourbon Company with Danny Callaway

394. Bardstown Bourbon Company with Danny Callaway

Danny Calloway of Bardstown Bourbon Company joins Jim to taste Amrut Indian Single Malt and the first-ever American whiskey finished in Indian whiskey barrels.

The Bourbon Road Media Player

Tasting Notes

Show Notes

Jim Shannon welcomes back Danny Calloway, Vice President of Product Development at Bardstown Bourbon Company, for a deep dive into a genuinely groundbreaking release: the first American whiskey ever finished in Indian whiskey barrels. Before cracking into the new collaborative release, the guys set the stage by pouring Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky — the very spirit whose barrels gave birth to the collaboration — giving listeners an educational primer on the Indian malt whisky category before tasting the finished product.

On the Tasting Mat:

  • Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky: The flagship expression from Bangalore-based Amrut Distilleries, bottled at 92 proof. Made from 100% Indian barley grown at the foot of the Himalayas, non-chill filtered, and aged in ex-bourbon barrels at 3,000 feet of elevation in Bangalore — a climate Danny describes as a bridge between Scotland and Kentucky. On the nose, honey and ripe fruit lead the way, with a restrained, elegant maltiness. The palate delivers a surprising mid-to-back spice alongside a smooth, lighter-bodied texture reminiscent of a refined single malt Scotch. Very little smoke. (00:05:39)
  • Bardstown Bourbon Company Amrut Collaboration: A national release launching May 17, 2024, bottled at 110 proof. A blend of 51% rye and 95% rye whiskeys (aged 8–14 years) finished for 18 months in used Amrut Indian single malt barrels, then rounded out with 10-, 11-, and 14-year Kentucky bourbons. A double gold winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The nose opens with baked cherry and subtle herbal tea — the hallmark of the high-rye component. The palate is viscous and silky with a complex interplay of malt, rye spice, caramel, vanilla, and stewed fruit compote. The finish is lengthy, oaky, and warmly spiced, with each sip revealing new layers as the glass opens up. (00:24:06)

On the Tasting Mat:

Danny Calloway is one of the most thoughtful voices in modern American whiskey, and this episode is a masterclass in what intentional collaboration looks like. From sourcing Amrut barrels to blending multiple ryes and aged bourbons, the Bardstown Bourbon Company Amrut Collaboration represents a genuine first in the industry. If you haven't visited Bardstown Bourbon Company's home distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, or their Louisville tasting room at 730 West Main Street, this episode will absolutely put it on your itinerary. Cheers, and we'll see you down the Bourbon Road.

Full Transcript

Bardstown Bourbon Company Amrut Indian single malt whisky American whiskey rye whiskey bourbon finishing collaboration series Danny Calloway Jim Shannon The Bourbon Road whiskey innovation Kentucky bourbon Bangalore whisky bourbon blending single malt product development custom distillation discovery series origin series San Francisco World Spirits Competition