Tastes

I was hesitant to pull the trigger on this one due to some of the comments and having never had anything from Belle Meade before. But I’m glad I grabbed this. Maybe it’s because I usually drink Speyside scotches, but to me this bourbon is fantastic. I get a depth of flavor and complexity that reminds me of some of the better scotches I’ve had, that you (imo) typically don’t get from bourbon. It is incredibly smooth and while the nose has a lot of sherry character, I find the sherry subdued in the whiskey itself. It plays a nice background note to the more typical bourbon flavors and doesn’t get in the way. Sometimes I find the fruit of the sherry and the vanilla and caramel fight each other, but not here. I get far more brown sugar and molasses from the bourbon which benefits from the sherry nicely. Like a sherry finished Speyside, this bourbon isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy that flavor profile I highly recommend this. Easily one of my favorite whiskeys, and I’m sorry I didn’t buy both bottles at the state store.

This is an odd blend to like (for me) as it is mostly Highland scotch with some peaty Islay to round it out. Typically I’m a Speyside guy and not a big fan of peat smoke. This blend does a fantastic job though of layering in the flavors that you really get a complex dram (which is what I like about a great Speyside). The Islay does a great job adding just a whisp of smoke on the finish but does not overpower.

Very smooth bourbon, and very sweet. give this to any of your friends that say they aren't whiskey drinkers. I actually like to "blend" this with the 1920 and the statesman. it kind of creates a "poor man's Birthday Bourbon."

Got to sample this over the weekend. local shop (IN) was selling them for $500 a bottle. Very smooth Islay scotch. Still had the briny and peaty flavor you would expect, but the extra time seemed to really tone down the saltiness. The finish was long, as you would expect, but honestly didn't burn out my palate the way a typical Islay would. A sip or two of water and you could transition back to some lighter whiskey should you be so inclined.