Hey, y’all!
I recently had the privilege of spending the day with my friends at Bardstown Bourbon Company + Bottle & Bond Kitchen/Bar (which is located in the same property). It was my first time at either location; and, to grossly understate, it won’t be my last.
Upon entering the facility and meeting the staff, one thing was clear: bourbon is their passion and they are doing their best to share it with the world. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, you can experience the tradition, process, and legacy of bourbon — and it doesn’t get much more Kentucky than that.
The facility is state of the art and left me feeling impressed. It is clear that quality is at the forefront of everything that they do; as a consumer, I greatly appreciate that. However, that’s a given in all reality — Steve Nally is their Master Distiller. That says all that needs to be said about Bardstown Bourbon Company in and of itself.
While a tour + tasting at Bardstown Bourbon Company are both ingredients to a fantastic day in the Commonwealth, it doesn’t stop there. Enter: Bottle & Bond Kitchen & Bar.
What I am about to say is something that I do not say lightly; that said, I mean it with full sincerity: this was, hands down, one of the best meals that I have ever had in Kentucky.
The dishes followed my philosophy on food: there need not be a lot of ingredients, just really pure, delicious ones. Bottle & Bond is doing just that — plating up high-end food in an unpretentious, relatable, Kentucky way. They’ve taken classic dishes and elevated them in a way that commands my respect. I can’t wait to bring both my friends and family back to B&B for dinner!
Oh, and before we talk about the food — let’s talk about the interior. Y’all, it’s as posh as all get out. I felt like I was brunching in a Bardstown / Los Angeles hybrid. The location has Kentucky soul and flavor, no doubt — but, aesthetically speaking, it’s something that we haven’t quite seen in the Commonwealth.
Now — what we’ve all been waiting for, the food!
Glazed Brussels Sprouts: pan seared, bourbon bacon, Kentucky blue cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sticks, served with a dunk-worthy, classic tomato soup. How fun are these?
Hand-cut Fries, which are out of this world good, y’all.
Shrimp and Grits, featuring Red Gulf Shrimp + cheddar grits. A southern staple.
A gorgeous Macaroni + Cheese — creamy, cheesy, and the right about of crunch/texture.
Gnocchi, which was – without hesitation – a menu standout for me: sweet potato gnocchi, broccolini, covered in a bourbon-infused mushroom sauce.
A buttery, delicious, 8 oz. prime filet – top-notch quality!
And, naturally, you can’t visit Bottle & Bond without indulging in some libations! The cocktails were unique, artistically crafted, and downright delicious, friends.
Oh, and no meal is complete without The Entrepreneur, a boozy milkshake featuring Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaboration Bourbon, malt chocolate, chocolate syrup, with a chocolate bar garnish. It’s write-your-MeeMaw good, y’all.
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Pro tip: while you’re at Bottle & Bond, don’t miss out on the Whiskey Library, which features over 400 vintage American whiskeys, curated by Fred Minnick.
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Bottle & Bond serves up classic, southern comfort food that is refined, elegant, yet overwhelmingly approachable. Using the finest ingredients, they take familiar dishes and serve them better than you’ve ever had them before. A restaurant — especially on a distillery property — like this was missing from the Kentucky culinary scene and I am so grateful to have had that void filled by Bottle & Bond.
Most importantly, the people behind the operation are top-notch — talented, yet more than anything, kind.
You can visit both Bardstown Bourbon Company + Bottle & Bond at 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Kentucky 40004. Reservations can be made online or over the phone at 502-252-6331.
Tell ’em that I sent ya!
As always: Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
FTC: This is a commissioned post; however, as always, all opinions are my own.
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