Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish

Sweet, unique, little burn. Overall, very good.

Belle Meade - is the name French or Old English? What does it matter - they are producing amazing bourbon journeys that drink like, and approach, single malts. I bought this gift box of 3X375ml bottles for $89.95, encompassing three cask expressions: this one, the Cognac Cask, and the Sherry Cask. It's a bargain in my book, and I like the direction Belle Meade is going with all of them. In my dreams, if I were the Chairman of the Board of bourbon, I'd call this 9 year old spirit, 'Chest Candy'. The expert notes are succinct, without hype or mystery. Again, the taste profile equals some entry-level scotches, sans the nuttiness. Is this a unicorn bottle on the cheap? No... but it won't suck unicorn c**k just to drink it, either... Recently, after a dram of this, I poured myself a "regular"-casked bourbon. And lo and behold, that was delicious like no-one's business. I think a bottle of this can, and will, increase appreciation of your liquor cabinet. It did mine. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."

Second of cask finish trio. Ok now we are getting somewhere. I like this much more than the cognac finish. Deep rich color, thick pungent nose, heavy handed flavors and long finish. Poured neat, nose is meaty dark red fruits(mainly black cherry), sweet pipe tobacco, salted nuts and varnished oak. Let it air out and in comes some super ripe peach and the spicy rye nudges its way in too. Mouth feel on all the Belle Meades is very good no exception here. Palate is healthy smack of toffee, cherry and spicy rye. There's dark chocolate, nuts and sweet barrel. Its full of long lasting flavors that carry to finish. Cocoa and molasses with rye and oak ride off into the sunset. The fruits linger in the background to complete the show. Tad hot for proof but so good it doesn't matter. This is very similar to some of the better Old Forester variants so if you like OF100 or 1920 you will most likely be a fan. Is it worth the high price tag($70-80) well that's up to you. I think its more complex and refined than OF and the bottle has improved dramatically since opening so I just may spring for the 750ml of this..........90/100......Leaves only the sherry finish and L&G we have a clear winner