If you enjoy seeing bourbon producers experiment with unique cask finishes, Bardstown Bourbon Company has something that deserves a closer look. As part of its 2026 annual limited releases, the Kentucky distillery just unveiled the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish, a whiskey that brings together American whiskey traditions and the distinctive character of Scotland’s remote Isle of Jura.

The new release begins with a custom blend of straight bourbon and rye before taking an unexpected turn. Rather than heading straight to the bottle, the whiskey spent an impressive 32 months maturing in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks that previously held Jura single malt Scotch whisky.

That extended finishing period adds layers of ripe fruit, gentle malt, subtle smoke, and a touch of maritime influence while allowing the rich bourbon backbone to remain front and center. According to Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Master Blender, Dan Callaway, the island’s unique environment leaves its own unmistakable fingerprint on the barrels.

With only around 238 residents, the Isle of Jura is one of Scotland’s most remote whisky-producing locations, making these casks a particularly distinctive component in the finished whiskey.

Interestingly, the project also came with its own logistical challenge. The oversized 59-gallon sherry casks couldn’t fit into the distillery’s traditional rick storage, so they spent more than two years sitting in the warehouse aisles while the whiskey slowly developed its rich fruit-forward profile. Apparently, the extra effort paid off.

The Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish has already earned significant recognition, receiving an impressive 99-point score at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition, the highest score awarded during this year’s North American judging.

Bottled at 104 proof, this limited release represents another example of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s willingness to push beyond traditional bourbon boundaries while still respecting the spirit’s Kentucky roots.

The bottle itself also gets a fresh artistic treatment. Louisville artist Margaret Archambault created original artwork inspired by tasting the whiskey, translating its aromas, flavors, and texture into paintings that now appear on the label and packaging. It’s an interesting way to give each annual release its own visual identity.

Alongside the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish, Bardstown Bourbon Company is also releasing its 2026 Discovery bourbon. The latest edition blends 7-, 10-, and 11-year-old Kentucky bourbons before spending four months in custom Garryana oak barrels, adding notes of clove, nutmeg, toasted oak, baked apple cobbler, dried cherry, and cinnamon.

Both limited editions will be available nationwide starting Aug. 21st, with a suggested retail price of $139.99 per 750ml bottle.

For whiskey lovers who appreciate the crossover between bourbon and Scotch maturation techniques, the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish looks like one of the more intriguing releases of the year. It’s not every day a Kentucky whiskey spends nearly three years soaking up character from barrels sourced from one of Scotland’s most isolated whisky islands … and judging by its early accolades, the journey was well worth it.