Ship’s Bell Blended Bourbon Whiskey Review

Distillery: Distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Kentucky—Bardstown, KY

Proof: 86.0 (43.0% ABV)

Age: Minimum of Three Years

Mashbill: 73% Corn, 21% Rye, 6% Malted Barley

MSRP: $37

A Maritime-Inspired Blend That Struggles to Find Its Course

Ship’s Bell Bourbon marks the first whiskey release from Veritable Distillery, a new Connecticut-based operation with a vision for blending regional identity into traditional American whiskey. Named in honor of New England’s coastal history, the bottle carries a certain local charm. But while the concept is interesting, the result is a whiskey that doesn’t quite find its footing for bourbon enthusiasts expecting a familiar profile.

Ship’s Bell is a blend of two whiskeys: a Kentucky straight bourbon distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company (73% corn, 21% rye, 6% malted barley), and Veritable’s own Connecticut-distilled American single malt made from 100% malted barley. Both components are aged for a minimum of three years, then blended and bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV).

It’s a unique approach—blending bourbon and malt whiskey—but it presents a flavor profile that leans experimental rather than collaborative.

Ship’s Bell Blended Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.5/5

The Nose opens with light caramel and baked apple, there’s a quick shift toward toasted grain and dry nut shells. The bourbon elements are soft but present and the malt brings in a slightly musty, herbal undertones. It’s inviting at first, but veers into unfamiliar territory for a bourbon pour.

Palate – 2.75/5

The Palate starts earthy and nutty—almost like pecans or raw walnuts. There’s a trace of vanilla and dried apple from the bourbon; the malt component quickly dominates with toasted grain and a slight bitterness. For a bourbon drinker, the shift feels abrupt and somewhat disjointed. It’s not unpleasant, but the flavor evolution lacks cohesiveness.

Finish – 2.5/5

The Finish is short and flat, with very little remaining once the sip fades. There’s a light cereal grain dryness and a whisper of oak, but not much else.

Value – 3.5/5

At $37, Ship’s Bell is affordable and regionally distinctive, which earns it points for accessibility. It’s also worth noting that the whiskey is currently available only in Connecticut, so it may appeal to collectors interested in small-market releases.

Still, the value comes with a caveat: this is not a bourbon in the traditional sense, and drinkers expecting a classic flavor profile may find it challenging to connect with the blend.

The idea is ambitious, and the price is fair. For a bourbon-focused drinker, this pour is likely to land more as an experiment than a go-to. With time, Veritable Distilling may refine this approach and find a better balance. For now, Ship’s Bell feels like a whiskey still searching for its North Star.

Ship’s Bell Blended Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Ship’s Bell is a well-intentioned first release from Veritable Distillery, but one that may leave bourbon and whiskey fans scratching their heads. The concept of blending straight bourbon with single malt is intriguing—but in this case, the components don’t quite harmonize. The result is a whiskey that tastes a bit divided, offering moments of familiarity interrupted by earthy, malt-driven notes that feel out of step with the bourbon base.

Verdict – 3.1/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

Platinum – 4.5 – 5
Gold – 4 – 4.5
Silver – 3 – 4
Bronze – <3

Mike Long

Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.