Brian’s Belle Meade Reserve Cask Strength Review:
reviewed 05-September-2023
BELLE MEADE RESERVE CASK STRENGTH BOURBON REVIEW:
The sensory journey into Belle Meade Reserve Cask Strength Bourbon (Belle Meade CS) unfolds with subtle ethanol notes, delicate fruit tree blossoms, and a many enticing scents. Berries, cherries, plum, blood orange, and a medley of spices enhance the experience. Herbal notes and dark dried fruit leather, some classic bourbon spice, and rich sweetness help deepen the taste. In the mouth, the liquid is viscous and well-blended, and offers an exceptionally long and throat-warming finish. Pour me another two fingers please.
BELLE MEADE RESERVE CASK STRENGTH VITAL STATS:
Category: Straight Bourbon
Region: Nashville, TN
Company: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Distillery: Undisclosed distilleries in Indiana
Mashbill: Undisclosed Corn, Rye and Malted Barley (website indicates a percentage of high rye)
Barrel Char: undisclosed
Barrel entry proof: undisclosed
Age: nas
ABV: 54.15% (108.3 Proof)
Fair Price: $81.72 (BoozApp, August 2023)
Paid: $74.99 (Wisconsin, 2022)
“Belle Meade Reserve is the premium expression of the multi-award-winning Belle Meade Bourbon, crafted to meet the growing demand among aficionados for elite, high-proof bourbon.
Belle Meade Reserve is a bold, high-rye-content bourbon ideal for those who appreciate the finer points of the distiller’s art, but equally accessible to anyone who enjoys the taste of whiskey straight from the barrel.”
— Learn more at Green Briar Distillery.
ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:
On Day 5 of the 2023 30 Bourbons in 30 Days Challenge, I poured approximately four ounces from a freshly opened bottle into Glencairn glass. While taking pictures and after nosing the liquid it was about 30 minutes before I took my first sip.
BELLE MEADE RESERVE CASK STRENGTH NOSE:
At the first waft of Belle Meade CS, I’m met with fresh, but subtle notes of ethanol. Then my nose picks up the delicate fragrance of fruit tree blossoms, drifting on a spring breeze. As I breath in, I get sweet corn silk, rich red berry nectar, the scent of freshly dipped caramel apple. Further nosing brings Maraschino cherries, hints of plum, the freshness of blood orange and a spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and rye. There are also yeasty undertones, much like one might sense in the inviting aroma of apple-cinnamon pastry. The sweets continue with light vanilla custard, caramelized sugar, buttery caramel, and faint maple syrup. As I continue, roasted pine nuts and the dry, old oakiness of of faint barrel char and spice add depth and character, then they too fade into freshness. I am looking forward to my first sip.
BELLE MEADE RESERVE CASK STRENGTH PALATE:
The first sips of Belle Meade CS unfold on my palate with a bit of a bite, followed by welcoming warmth which quickly fades into notes of sherry and roasted corn. As I acclimate, the flavors turn to dark dried fruit leather, made from blueberry syrup, dark cherry, and currants mixed with spices of cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and the bold essence of rye. The confection is bolstered by rich vanilla, buttery caramel and dark toffee filled with hints of pecan. Best of all, a robust foundation of dry old oak, barrel spice, and char along with a touch of luxurious dark leather contribute depth and character.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Belle Meade CS offers a nice balance of fruit, spice, sweet and wood, with a body which is both viscous and oily. After the first sip, my tongue gets a tickle, but the liquid is simple to hold. In the glass, an irregular, broken, and inverted crown, with only a few delicate droplets forms after each sip, after which, long, clinging legs transport the dregs back to the mahogany colored pool.
BELLE MEADE RESERVE CASK STRENGTH FINISH
Belle Meade Reserve lingers on the palate with a gentle throat-warming embrace. Herbal notes mingle with the essence of berry syrup and dry fruits and along with the sensation of cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, create a delightful contrast of flora, fruit and spice. As the finish deepens, woody caramel and dark molasses contribute a rich sweetness, which is balanced by the presence of walnut, heavy, old oak and subtle barrel char. And in the empty Glencairn, a final touch of leather and damp sawdust drift up, leading me to believe there is some age here as I sense maturity. This is good bourbon.
MY RATING: 92/100
Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
I’ll buy another, but the bottle may be hard-to-find. Green Brier may be making this available as a “Distillery Only” purchase. Or they may be dropping the entire line as their product now has new proprietary labels.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 92/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other reviews from this brand, click Green Brier Distillery.
WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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