Bardstown Bourbon Company has proven itself among the most innovative masters of blending and finishing, with little regard for tradition. This is not as adventurous as some of their experiments, but it is no less successful. This 10 year old Tennessee bourbon spent 22 months in Plantation rum barrels. The result offers savory herbs balanced with caramel on the nose, flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and red fruit before a finish with generous baking spices and leather. —Jeffery Lindenmuth