Belle Meade Bourbon Cognac Cask Finish

Whoa this is good. Light and fruity upfront, but a nice lingering spice that isn't overpowering on the finish.

Great sipper. Toured with family in TN.

Cask no 4917 Bottle no 130 @ 116.5 proof Nose, doesn't jump like oloroso sherry finish but the cognac is an oh so sweet and nice addition on top of this already well thought out bourbon. This one isn't as in your face as the sherry nose, it's more balanced and complex, but a much nicer overall character. The front loads up nicely with cognac sweet grape then proceeds into some beautiful rye and bourbon notes, spicy yes but with a number of caramel candy and red fruits to go with the bourbon brown sugars and vanilla. Just a great texture, perhaps the higher proofed barreling than the sherry finish is what does the trick along with the high rye expression but this one stands out nicely as a well perceived and executed product. The fantastic tradeoff of a slightly less robust nose for a much bigger and bolder bourbon-rye body on the palate is easily a big win. Finishes like a nice barrel rye and bourbon with sweet heat, really I couldn't wait for the follow up sip, this was nearly the antithesis of the sherry Belle Meade that just gets you excited only to disappoint you in the end. For the bourbon and rye fans this is a definite recommend, the cognac is a 'just right' addition in the flavor spectrum and provides just the positive boost of sweet character that you would hope for from such an experiment. Count me as somewhat surprised after the sherry attempt, but a big thumbs up on this Belle Meade expression as a winner.