Belle Meade Sour Mash Straight Bourbon

Sometimes my score system is not entirely fair for some whiskies, because they might feel like more as an experience, but i try to be fair to what i am tasting and nosing, and specially the way all the flavor and notes are delivered. Belle Meade is one bourbon that almost made a 4 star score in my books, and surely it feels like at least a 4 stars bourbon, but after 30 minutes of re-thinking my experience, i believe the points awarded here are fair. Belle meade is an Indiana Bourbon, bottled in Tennessee, at 45.2%abv. Golden color. On the nose, Banana, white wine and pepper; all 3 notes right from the start. Red chilli on the nose. Interesting. Lots of powerful spices, it reminded me of the Turkish spice market.Some cherry syrup is rising after 2 minutes. Farm citric fruits rising, gooseberries. After a first sip, i got Fresh leaves and wet grass. On the palate, it is a classic sour mash bourbon. Old Banana, Caramel, Some acid prunes. It is sour and sweet. Aftertaste was intersting. Everything happens on the sides of your throat and palate. Cotton candy and chilli spice. Sour lollipop. Overall, this is a good offering, but fails to be rounded. I liked it, i would drink it for sure, but i won't have it on my top of mind. My score for it is a well deserved 79 over 100.

Very nicely balanced. Goes down easy!