Bastard’s Blend

Original Artwork by Jun Yang
Distillate Source Lawrenceburg, IN | Frankfort, KY | Bardstown, KY
Blended by Joshua Thinnes
Serial Code 11BL24

About Bastard’s Blend

Bastard’s Blend was blended from over 40 different whiskies over a year-and-a-half-long period. It is made from the 95/5 and 51/49 rye mash bills from MGP in Indiana and four different bourbon mash bills – two from Indiana and two from Kentucky. The average age of the whiskey is 7.7 years. The blend was assembled in three different casks: a re-used sherry cask, a second-fill pinot noir cask, and a second-fill American oak cask. It was then vatted in another second-fill American oak cask, where it was mixed together. It was bottled on July 19, 2023, with minimal filtration. The blend yielded just 44 gallons, producing 222 total 750 mL bottles, all bottled and labeled by hand.

To fully appreciate the complexity of this blend, two unique sets were created: Deconstructed and Last Fill. The last 36 bottles from the cask showed an impressive amount of barrel char. These Last Fill bottles are more intense and rich in flavor, showing a significant difference in texture compared to the rest of the cask. Last Fill sets are paired with one 50mL regular bottle for appropriate comparison. Before vatting the blend, we pulled whiskey from each of the three marriage casks: #9, #11, and #13. These are available only in 50 mL size as a part of 15 Deconstructed sets. Each Deconstructed set contains a 750 mL bottle of regular Bastard’s Blend and four 50 mL bottles – one from each of the barrels, #9, #11, and #13, along with a 50 mL of Last Fill. Each set is packaged in custom-painted tubes.

Every time I visit this whiskey, I taste or smell something different. After six months of revisiting it, I’m convinced it is best appreciated in a wine glass. It is the most Chef de Cave blend I have created and yet the least wine-influenced. It appreciates time to breathe, and as it begins to open up, the aromas evolve and change. Is it a bourbon or is it a rye? It doesn’t matter, it's delicious. The blend contains 56% bourbon and 44% rye. A full breakdown of all the whiskies in this blend can be found here.

Read the story behind the art and the collaboration.

TASTING NOTES

Deep aromas of cigar and tobacco leaf and dried stone fruits intermingle with herbs and spices. The balance of sweet and savory works in concert, with the high tones floating above the bass notes. Picture freshly made caramel and burnt sugar, with a hint of vanilla mixed with candied citrus. The palate is very rich and decadent in texture. While this is a bourbon-dominant blend, the rye whiskey controls the conversation on the palate. More herbs; mint, and tarragon, mix with woody notes of cedar and oak. Slightly sweet flavors of dark chocolate-covered peanut butter cup melt with a gentle bitter nocino liqueur, lingering on the palate and leaving you wanting more.

ABOUT THE ART
San Francisco artist Jun Yang painted the piece with oil on canvas. It measures 24” x 30”.

Jun Yang, a self-taught artist from Seoul, now calls San Francisco home after 14 years. His paintings, murals, and textile sculptures draw inspiration from his own experience, the city's rich cultural diversity, and its supportive queer community. Jun combines his art with activism, reflects his personal journey, and advocates for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights by celebrating the inclusivity and solidarity he’s found in San Francisco while exposing ongoing struggles.

COLLECTOR EDITION SETS
Additionally, 11 Bastard’s Blend Collector Edition Sets are available. Each set includes a 750 mL of Bastard’s Blend, a 50 mL sample of Bastard’s Blend, a signed and matching numbered archival print of the artwork, custom tube, printed liner notes on the blend, and a corresponding edition numbered certificate of authenticity (NFT).