Tastes

Tasted as part of the cask finish 3x 375ml pack (Sherry, Madeira & Cognac.) I tend to be a purist and don't always enjoy cask finishes but Belle Meade has a way of making the cask finish shine while maintaining a balance with the bourbon. I prefer the sherry the most, then the maderia and then the cognac. All three are quite smooth. The sherry has a nice sweetness to it and is the most interesting. The maderia has an earthy flavor and a medium sweetness. The cognac is definitely the hottest of the three. $100 for 3x 375ml

Sweet and smoky. Caramel. Slight tobacco. Barrel 16D462. Proof 113. Sample.

Smooth. Mellow. Oak. Well balanced sweetness with a touch of spice. A very enjoyable sipper. If this had been bottled between 100 and 110 proof it would have taken it to the next level. Barrel 4835. Bottled 12/4/19.

Very rich. Oak. Brine. Vanilla. Hints of coconut. Thick and chewy. It really opens up with a drop of water. I am a big fan of this. Selected by NH. Barrel 144. Bottle 122.

Peanut butter. Cloying sweetness. Buttery. Sugar cookie. Very little, if any, whiskey flavor. This is more of a dessert whiskey than anything else. It has potential to be great as a mixer in a cocktail but I'd only want to drink a small amount of it neat. Somewhat reminiscent of Knob Creek Smoked Maple in this sense.

Orange citrus. Earthy. Leather. Medium heat and sweetness. Smooth. A bit of cinnamon in the finish.

Honey. Ginger. Black Pepper. Some heat. Medium sweetness. Finishes dry. Select by State of NH in 2018. Proof 108.6.

Thick and chewy. Gingerbread. Peanut. Honey. Oak and rye come through in the finish. Rich luxurious mouth feel.

Maraschino cherry. Amaretto. Varnish. Touch of cough syrup in the finish. Pretty hot for the proof. Overall not very exciting. Update: I did enjoy this more after revisiting it much later.

Toasted Oak. Maple. Banana. Vanilla. Caramel. Dense and chewy mouthfeel. Medium sweetness. Some heat towards the end.