Bardstown 'Lochs of Jura' Straight Bourbon, Finished in Single Malt Scotch Barrels

Bardstown Bourbon Company Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish is an ambitious transatlantic whiskey that brings together mature American bourbon and rye with barrels previously used to mature Single Malt Scotch Whisky on Scotland’s Isle of Jura. Built from 10-, 11-, and 12-year-old American whiskeys, the custom blend spends an extraordinary additional 32 months in Jura Scotch whisky casks before being bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV). Rich vanilla crème, blackberry compote, caramel, cinnamon, toasted oak, spearmint, soft malt, and fruit-driven Sherry notes create a complex meeting of American whiskey richness and Scottish cask character.

Process & Profile

Lochs of Jura begins with a carefully constructed blend of three mature American whiskeys. The recipe consists of 49% 11-year-old Indiana bourbon, 30% 10-year-old Indiana rye, and 21% 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon. This combination gives Bardstown a mature foundation of caramel, vanilla, oak, rye spice, and dark fruit before the lengthy Scotch-cask finishing process begins.

The 11-year Indiana bourbon uses a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The 10-year Indiana rye is the classic 95% rye and 5% malted barley recipe, while the 12-year Kentucky bourbon uses 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. The substantial rye component gives the finished blend considerable spice and herbal intensity, balanced by the sweeter, oak-rich bourbon components.

After blending, the whiskey was transferred into barrels sourced directly from the Isle of Jura in Scotland that had previously matured Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The finishing program used approximately 84% ex-bourbon Scotch casks and 16% ex-Sherry Scotch casks, creating two complementary influences: soft malt and seasoned oak from the ex-bourbon casks, and richer dried-fruit character from the Sherry-seasoned barrels.

The whiskey remained in these Scotch casks for an exceptional 32 months—the longest finishing period Bardstown Bourbon Company has used for a nationally released whiskey. Around 100 ex-bourbon Scotch casks and 30 ex-Sherry casks ultimately contributed to the final batching before the finished whiskey was married and bottled at 104 proof.

On the nose, Bardstown highlights vanilla crème, blackberry compote, mint, toasted oak, and cigar box. The aromas combine familiar bourbon sweetness with darker fruit and soft malt character, while the Scotch-seasoned oak contributes a more savory and distinctive dimension than a conventional finished bourbon.

The palate develops with fresh spearmint, caramel, and light cinnamon spice, supported by ripe fruit, toasted oak, and gentle malt. Independent tasting impressions add raisins, dates, figs, cherries, toasted almond, ginger, clove, and traditional bourbon vanilla, illustrating just how many layers emerge from the combination of rye, bourbon, malt-seasoned wood, and Sherry casks.

The finish is deep and beautifully layered, with the fruit-forward Sherry influence rounding out caramel, warming spice, toasted oak, malt, and lingering dark fruit. At 104 proof, it maintains substantial richness and texture without allowing alcohol to overpower the intricate cask influence.

What makes Bardstown Lochs of Jura particularly compelling is the combination of 10- to 12-year-old American whiskey, bourbon and rye blending, an unusually long 32-month Scotch-cask finish, and two different Jura barrel types. Rather than simply adding a brief Scotch finish, Bardstown allowed the American whiskey to spend nearly three additional years interacting with casks seasoned by Jura Single Malt.

The release has already received exceptional recognition. Lochs of Jura earned 99 points and was named Best American Whiskey at the 2026 IWSC, with Bardstown noting that its 99-point result was the highest score awarded during the competition’s 2026 North American judging.

Enjoy it neat after allowing several minutes in the glass to reveal its fruit, malt, oak, and spice layers. A few drops of water can further open the blackberry, Sherry fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon characteristics. Its combination of mature bourbon, high-rye whiskey, and Scotch influence makes this a particularly rewarding pour for drinkers who appreciate both American whiskey and single malt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bardstown Bourbon Company Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish?
It is a limited-edition blend of straight bourbon and rye whiskeys finished in Single Malt Scotch Whisky barrels from Scotland’s Isle of Jura. The whiskey is finished for an additional 32 months and bottled at 104 proof / 52% ABV.

What are the key specs of Bardstown Lochs of Jura?
The blend consists of 49% 11-year Indiana bourbon, 30% 10-year Indiana rye, and 21% 12-year Kentucky bourbon. It is finished for 32 months in Jura Scotch barrels—84% ex-bourbon and 16% ex-Sherry casks—and bottled at 104 proof in a 750ml bottle.

Is Bardstown Lochs of Jura a Straight Bourbon?
Not exactly. Because the blend contains both straight bourbon and straight rye whiskey, its official designation is “Blend of Straight Whiskies Finished in Single Malt Scotch Whisky Barrels.”

What flavors characterize Bardstown Lochs of Jura?
Expect vanilla crème, blackberry compote, spearmint, caramel, cinnamon, toasted oak, cigar box, ripe and dried fruit, soft malt, and Sherry-driven richness, with additional notes of fig, raisin, ginger, and baking spice.

What makes Bardstown Lochs of Jura special?
Its distinction comes from the combination of mature 10-, 11-, and 12-year American whiskeys, a bourbon-and-rye blend, rare Jura Single Malt Scotch casks, and an exceptional 32-month finishing period. The combination creates a genuine bridge between American and Scottish whiskey traditions and helped the release earn 99 points and Best American Whiskey at the 2026 IWSC.