Tastes

Picked up a single barrel select of this one. Have generally stayed away from the sub $30 whiskeys since they tend to be too alcohol forward for me. Nose is sweet like bananas foster. Brown sugar sweetness comes through immediately with a mild finish. Almost no burn here. At the price point this is really smooth and I can see why it has a strong following.

Butter scotch candy on the nose. Overall a rather light flavor here. Rum casking has given the whiskey a nice soft and sweet edge. I have generally been mixed on Irish Whiskey and this one comes out on the positive side. Especially nice at the price point.

Frankly I don't love wheat whiskeys. This one has a subtle sweet nose to it. The flavor brings thoughts of honey graham crackers with a spiced anise close. The finish is slightly sweet with a short mild burn.

Another solid choice from Belle Meade. A hint of brown sugar aroma. Taste starts smooth and mild, but evolves to a brown sugar sweetness with a bite. Taste dark chocolate cherry on the finish.

This one smells amazing of strong vanilla notes. Initial taste is so smooth you almost question the cask strength, but it quickly warms. Honey, almond, and vanilla on the front with a strong cinnamon finish. I will definitely be trying more of the Belle Meade library following this.

Tasted side by side with the small batch. The single barrel is much smoother upfront despite the higher proof. Sweet on the nose and first taste brings cinnamon and vanilla. Finish builds to a long and slow cinnamon burn. Excellent for the end of a long day.

Decided to give this a try after the 2019 Whiskey Advocate annual ranks came out (I realize the select is the one in the top rankings, but I haven't found that one in stores yet). Tried side by side with the Four Single which I quite enjoy. The nose is sweet on this one. First taste is surprisingly spicy. Almost to the point it robs the dram of its potential. Once it mellows the corn starts to come through in a strong way followed by a red hot candy finish. Overall a nice pour for the price point, but I'd pay the little extra for the single barrel in my opinion.

This is one of my preferred regular sippers. You immediately sense the port inspiration on the nose. The taste is a softly rounded sweetness of bourbon wrapped in a port blanket. The sip closes with a smooth burn begging for another taste.

A bit of light nuttiness in the aroma on this Irish Whiskey. Tastes of subtle butter and almonds. Very light and short burn followed by a citrus and mint like refreshing finish.