Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon

This has been around my area between $65-75. Sadly I paid on the higher end. This is a neck pour following my 5y MGP SAOS pour. Color is a comparable burnt orange. Going into this, the SAOS Is the higher proof and cheaper option while this sits a few proof higher and only a few dollars less than Remus Reserve. So... Nose is more peanut brittle, ethanol, dusty leather boots, dill, oak, clove The mouthfeel is silky and the flavors rolls along gently, starting with vanilla and then peanut brittle and subtle clove with relatively little dill or oak (rather un-MGP). Dang, now I realize this should have been tasted first. There’s nothing to dislike but the difference in proof from the 120 of the 5y SAOS certainly leaves this one lacking complexity. This is sweeter, but less fruity. The spice is balanced, but not as unique. The finish is relatively flat and there are no surprises. This would be one hell of a $40-50 bottle but at $65+ I feel relatively, but not absolutely, disappointed. Will update once I can try this as a first pour and see if score comes up.

Carmel, spice, buttery, black pepper finish.

Nose: Apple, plum Palate: sweet, corn, leather, hot, pepper Finish: silky, nice mouthfeel