Bardstown Bourbon Company Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish is a remarkable limited-release American whiskey that bridges mature Kentucky and Indiana whiskey with the character of Scotland’s remote Isle of Jura. Created from a bespoke blend of 10- to 12-year-old straight bourbon and rye whiskeys, the blend undergoes an unusually long 32-month finish in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks previously used to mature single malt Scotch whisky.
The recipe combines 49% 11-year-old Indiana bourbon, 30% 10-year-old Indiana rye, and 21% 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon. The Indiana bourbon uses a 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley mash bill; the Indiana rye is 95% rye and 5% malted barley; and the Kentucky bourbon is built from 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
What makes Lochs of Jura especially distinctive is the length and character of the finishing process. Bardstown Bourbon Company rested the whiskey for nearly three years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry Scotch casks, allowing the finishing barrels to contribute ripe fruit, soft malt, subtle smoke, and maritime character while preserving the mature American whiskey foundation.
Bottled at 104 proof / 52% ABV, Lochs of Jura delivers a layered profile of spiced vanilla, orange peel, caramel, chocolate, nutmeg, mature oak, fruit, and malt. The International Wine & Spirit Competition awarded the whiskey an extraordinary 99 points and Gold Outstanding, the highest score awarded in the competition’s 2026 North American judging.
The bottle also features commissioned artwork by Louisville artist Margaret Archambault, who created an original visual interpretation inspired by the aroma, flavor, and texture of the whiskey. This combination of mature whiskey, extended Scotch-cask finishing, limited availability, and distinctive presentation makes Lochs of Jura an exceptional choice for American whiskey collectors, Scotch enthusiasts, Bardstown Bourbon Company fans, and premium whiskey gifting.
Key Features
- 2026 Bardstown Bourbon Company limited release
- Blend of straight bourbon and straight rye whiskeys
- Whiskey components aged 10–12 years
- 32-month Scotch whisky barrel finish
- Finished in 84% ex-bourbon and 16% ex-sherry casks
- Casks sourced from Scotland’s remote Isle of Jura
- 104 proof / 52% ABV
- 750mL bottle
- 99 Points / IWSC Gold Outstanding 2026
- Highest-scoring whiskey in the 2026 IWSC North American judging
- Original label artwork by Louisville artist Margaret Archambault
- Rich fruit, malt, chocolate, citrus, spice, oak, and subtle smoke character
Tasting Notes
Nose: Spiced vanilla, zesty orange peel, caramel, soft malt, ripe fruit, and mature oak with hints of cocoa and gentle smoke.
Palate: Rich orange, caramel, chocolate, nutmeg, baking spice, honeyed malt, berries, and warm wood spice. The rye component adds structure while the Scotch casks bring fruit and malty depth.
Finish: Long, bright, and increasingly dry with lingering fruit, oak, subtle smoke, spice, and a sweet-tangy edge. IWSC judges highlighted its balance of cinnamon, vanilla, citrus, caramel, chocolate, nutmeg, and warm wood spice.
How to Enjoy
Serve Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whiskey glass and give it several minutes to open. The long Scotch-cask finish rewards slow tasting, revealing layers of citrus, fruit, malt, chocolate, oak, and spice as the whiskey rests.
At 104 proof, a few drops of water can bring additional fruit and malt forward while softening the oak and rye spice. A single large cube also works well for a slower, evolving pour.
This expression is especially compelling in a comparative tasting alongside mature bourbon, rye, and single malt Scotch, where the influence of each whiskey tradition becomes easier to explore.
FAQ
Is Bardstown Lochs of Jura a bourbon?
No. Although bourbon makes up the majority of the blend, Lochs of Jura also contains straight rye whiskey. The finished product is therefore properly described as a blend of straight whiskeys finished in single malt Scotch whisky barrels, not bourbon.
What whiskeys are in the blend?
The recipe is 49% 11-year Indiana bourbon, 30% 10-year Indiana rye, and 21% 12-year Kentucky bourbon.
How long is Lochs of Jura barrel finished?
The whiskey spends an additional 32 months in Scotch whisky casks after the component whiskeys are blended.
What kind of finishing barrels are used?
The finish uses a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels previously used for single malt Scotch whisky, sourced from the Isle of Jura. The reported mix is 84% ex-bourbon and 16% ex-sherry.
What proof is Bardstown Lochs of Jura?
It is bottled at 104 proof / 52% ABV.
How old is the whiskey?
The American whiskey components are between 10 and 12 years old before undergoing the 32-month secondary maturation.
Did Lochs of Jura win an award?
Yes. It earned 99 points and Gold Outstanding at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition, the highest score awarded during that year’s North American judging.
