Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon

Since these are going away I grabbed one having never had these 108.3 bottles. The claim is 7-11 year old MGP, a somewhat unique mash bill used by Belle Meade if my memory is serving me. Nose - Doesn't smell that old. Reminds me of the corn notes on a 5 year MGP. I do get some cherry, bit of nice vanilla, tame alcohol, and I'd say an almost lightly toasted oak (not a toasted barrel). Taste - Ok a bit of bitter chocolate, distinct minty rye, there's a bit of a green vegetable MGP note, good spice. Overall, a bit young, a bit hot, and very vegital. There's a bit of refinement and some older notes, but they're hidden by youth. Overall a nice big bold in your face bourbon, but doesn't compare to some of the better batches I had before they went to this more consistent profile. I'd say a 2 star bourbon. I won't mind finishing this but I'll likely forget I have it at the same time or I'll just drink it as a cheap "daily" bourbon.

I had this side-by-side in Glen Cairn glasses with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Batch A121, 124 proof), and I did my best to dilute both to the same ABV (albeit subjectively by mouth feel and sensation of heat on my palate) to standardize the comparison. Much to my surprise, they were absolutely identical in terms of their aromatics, flavors (spice profile), and mouth-feel. The only difference that I could discern between the two was that the Belle Meade was a little sweeter. To sum it up, since they are both the same price in my area ($69.99, in SE Michigan), the winner of the matchup could go either way: On one hand the the higher proof of the ECBP makes it a better value, but only if you plan to add water. On the other hand, the Belle Meade is more available year-round, making it an advantage if you plan to drink a lot of it!

Nose:there is a spicy red pepper from the rye for me. Hay with light vanilla and and a hint of carmel. I can get a little heat on the nose from the proof. Palate: Baking spices and black pepper develops into a dark chocolate bitterness that turns straight oak. Finish: Hot and oaky. Heavy oak with a satisfying burn from the Proof. 3 drops of water Lightens the nose to more hay and vanilla extract. Takes away the black pepper and bitterness. Cools down finish less oaky bitter and more oaky sweet. I preferred it with the water. Good experience from an MGP. You might not like this if you don't like rye. Was recommended to me because its not being released again.

Nose is apple pie, brown sugar, tangerine, vanilla sprinkled with sawdust and a squirt of lemon. A tickle of pepper. Not sure what the age is but it compares well to Dickel 13 and Knob Creek 12, similar profile. Caramel, oak, pepper, vanilla and more apple pie with some citrus on the palate. Smooth and delicious. For me, this is a buy-it-when-you-see-it bottle. Finish is enjoyably tannic and spicy. Bumping this to a 4.25 after it beat out Baker’s 7yr (3rd) and Nelson Bros Reserve (2nd) in a blind test of 107-108 proof bourbons. Underrated.

I'd heard good things about this, so I took a chance. I would say it paid off... Sweet cherry cola nose that carries over to the palate, where spice is added — not surprisingly, as it's apparently a high rye mash bill. Slight "warmth" going down, but pleasingly so. This is very good. My only "negative" is the price tag. I probably would not have purchased at the price that I did, had I been able to locate it, locally, for a cheaper price. No regrets though. I'd definitely buy again — but only if I can find it for $20 - $25 less.

Aroma- oak vanilla some baking spices, toasted bread, slight hint of red hot. Nothing particularly unique. Nice balance though Taste - wow. This is nice. Super thick. Almost syrup like. Big sweet vanilla and sticky caramel. Oak. First sip was awesome. Second and proceeding sips, I get more fruity bumble gum notes, butterscotch and even slight chocolate. Very nice flavor profile. It’s a bit over priced at $70… should be around $50-60 tops. Worth a try but there are better options at its price point. 3.75-4.0 range for sure.