Day 23: Bluegrass Distillers Blue Corn Bottled in Bond

As I gear up for the Bourbon Country Burn next weekend—a three-day cycling event through the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country—my pours will be from distilleries along the route. The Burn is a unique combination of cycling and bourbon, with stops at some of the most iconic distilleries in the Bluegrass State. This week’s pours will serve as a preview of what’s to come during the ride.

Today’s pour comes from Bluegrass Distillers, a staple on the Bourbon Country Burn. Their original Lexington location sits on the Legacy Trail, a shared-use greenway that’s part of the casual route available to riders every day. On Saturday, the Burn’s medium, long, and century routes visit Bluegrass’s new location at Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. This beautiful location, nestled on a historic farm, was still under construction when I visited last year. It’s now fully operational, offering visitors a picturesque stop that ties together Bluegrass’s mission of honoring Kentucky’s agricultural roots.

For today’s pour, I’ve chosen their Bottled in Bond Batch 3. This bourbon showcases Bluegrass Distillers’ commitment to traditional Kentucky whiskey-making while featuring their distinct approach of using blue corn in their mash bill. The mash bill for this batch is 75% blue corn, 21% wheat, and 4% malted barley, which gives the whiskey a unique flavor profile. Blue corn, known for its naturally sweeter and more robust flavor, adds a distinct nuttiness and depth to the bourbon. It also brings out softer, earthy undertones that give this whiskey an extra layer of complexity.

Bottled in bond whiskeys hold a special place in the history of bourbon. The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was one of the first consumer protection laws in the United States, introduced to ensure that whiskey was pure and authentic during a time when adulteration of spirits was rampant. To be labeled as bottled in bond, a whiskey must be produced by one distillery in a single distillation season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof under government supervision. These strict standards set a benchmark for quality and consistency.

I love bottled in bond whiskeys. The rules around them set a standard within which you can explore not only different distilleries, but the changes in a single distillery’s products over time. And at 100 proof, they are very easy to drink, offering a good balance of flavor and strength without being overwhelming.

On the nose, you’ll find rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, with that signature nuttiness from the blue corn shining through. The palate opens up with layers of sweet corn, dark chocolate, and baking spices, balanced by a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of toasted oak, cinnamon, and just a hint of earthy sweetness. It’s a bourbon that evolves as you sip, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

This Bottled in Bond release is available only once a year, making it a limited and sought-after offering from Bluegrass Distillers. Whether you’re visiting their original Lexington location along the Legacy Trail or exploring the scenic grounds at Elkwood Farm, Bluegrass Distillers is a must-visit. Both spots offer a welcoming experience and the opportunity to taste some of the finest grain-to-glass bourbons Kentucky has to offer.

---

Distillery: Bluegrass Distillers
Mash Bill: 75% Blue Corn, 21% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
Age: At least 4 years (Bottled in Bond)
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Release Date: 2023 (Available once a year)
Availability: Limited release, available at distillery locations and select retailers