Collaborative Craft: A Masterclass with Jaz’min Weaver and Bardstown Bourbon Co.

The Central Ohio Whiskey Society enjoyed an exceptional turnout at Pinnacle Golf Club to welcome a true innovator in the modern spirits landscape: Jaz’min Weaver of Bardstown Bourbon Company. Known for breaking the old-school Kentucky mold, Bardstown has become the “Napa Valley of Bourbon” by prioritizing total transparency and a sleek, high-tech approach to distilling. Jaz’min brought this modernist energy to our group, sharing a presentation that was a true masterclass in high craft and “micro-seasonal” spirits.

Jaz’min shared a fascinating origin story, revealing that she was actually Secret Shopped while running a complex five-course tasting menu at her previous program. Bardstown’s scouts were looking for talent that understood the delicate intersection of flavor and fragrance, and Jaz’min’s background in high-end bar programs made her the perfect fit for a distillery that lives at the edge of innovation.

A Modern Kentucky Portfolio

The evening focused on Bardstown’s unique position in the industry. While they are rooted in Kentucky tradition—originally launched with the help of Maker’s Mark legend Steve Nally—they have become leaders in “custom distilling,” producing over 50 different mash bills for some of the most iconic names in whiskey. During the session, we explored five distinct expressions that showcase the breadth of their technical precision:

  • Origin Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon (White Label): This 6-year-old flagship serves as the distillery’s “handshake,” featuring a high-rye mash bill (36%) that delivers an electric burst of baking spices, nutmeg, and orange blossom, all balanced by a silky butterscotch finish.

  • Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (Black Label): A 6-year-old wheated expression (20% wheat) that swaps rye spice for a creamy, decadent profile of baked peach, cocoa, and toffee, providing a smooth and enduring 100-proof experience.

  • Origin Series Kentucky Straight Rye (Green Label): A masterclass in wood innovation, this 95% rye is finished in custom “Zebra” barrels—hybrid casks made of alternating toasted American oak and cherry wood staves—which pull the profile away from traditional dill notes toward a rich, jammy cherry and dark chocolate complexity.

  • Collaborative Series: Maison Ferrand Cognac: This sophisticated blend of 7-to-12-year-old bourbons and ryes underwent a 15-month finish in French cognac casks, resulting in a luxurious, 111.8-proof spirit defined by velvet notes of black cherry, toasted pecan, and a refined “kiss of mint” on the finish.

  • Collaborative Series: Amrut Indian Single Malt: Bridging East and West, this expression features Indiana rye finished for 18 months in Amrut casks, creating a bold “nectar” that integrates exotic sandalwood, honeyed malt, and tropical fruit notes with the robust backbone of aged American whiskey.

Ultimately, what made the evening so impactful was the depth of expertise Jaz’min shared during her presentation. It wasn’t just a tasting; it was a peek behind the curtain of one of the most technically advanced distilleries in the world. Her insights into the sensory science of flavor and fragrance, combined with her “low-waste, high-craft” ethos, left everyone with a much deeper appreciation for the precision that goes into every bottle. We walked away not only having enjoyed some world-class bourbon but also with a better understanding of how a modern distillery honors Kentucky tradition while relentlessly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.