Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon

Since these are being discontinued, I acquired one, having never tried these 108.3 proof bottles. The claim is 7-11 year old MGP, with a somewhat distinctive mash bill used by this brand if I recall correctly. Nose - Doesn't smell that aged. It reminds me of the corn notes in a 5-year MGP. I do get some cherry, a bit of nice vanilla, mild alcohol, and what I'd describe as lightly toasted oak (not from a toasted barrel). Taste - Okay, a bit of bitter chocolate, distinct minty rye, there's a hint of a green vegetable MGP note, good spice. Overall, it seems a bit young, a bit hot, and very vegetal. There's some refinement and older notes present, but they are overshadowed by its youth. Overall, a nice, bold, assertive bourbon, but it doesn't compare to some of the better batches I experienced before they shifted to this more consistent profile. I'd rate it a 2-star bourbon. I won't mind finishing it, but I'll likely forget I have it or just drink it as an inexpensive daily bourbon.

I tasted this side-by-side with another bourbon (Batch A121, 124 proof) in identical glasses, and I attempted to dilute both to the same alcohol by volume (based on mouthfeel and perceived heat) to standardize the comparison. To my surprise, they were virtually identical in aroma, flavor (spice profile), and mouthfeel. The only discernible difference was that this bourbon was slightly sweeter. To summarize, since they cost the same in my area ($69.99 in SE Michigan), the choice between them could go either way: On one hand, the higher proof of the other bourbon offers better value, but only if you intend to add water. On the other hand, this bourbon is more consistently available year-round, making it an advantage if you plan to consume a lot of it!

The aroma has spicy red pepper from the rye for me, along with hay, light vanilla, and a hint of caramel. I detect a little heat in the nose from the proof. On the palate, baking spices and black pepper develop into a dark chocolate bitterness that turns directly to oak. The finish is hot and oaky, with heavy oak and a satisfying burn from the proof. Adding 3 drops of water lightens the nose to more hay and vanilla extract, removes the black pepper and bitterness, and cools the finish, making it less oaky bitter and more oaky sweet. I liked it better with the water. A good experience from an MGP product. You might not enjoy this if you dislike rye. It was recommended to me because it won't be re-released.

Nose presents apple pie, brown sugar, tangerine, and vanilla, dusted with sawdust and a hint of lemon. A slight peppery sensation. While I'm unsure of the age, it holds its own against Dickel 13 and Knob Creek 12, exhibiting a similar profile. Palate offers caramel, oak, pepper, vanilla, and more apple pie with some citrus. It's smooth and delightful. For me, this is a bottle to purchase immediately upon sighting. Finish is pleasantly tannic and spicy. Upgrading this to a 4.25 after it outperformed Baker’s 7yr (3rd place) and Nelson Bros Reserve (2nd place) in a blind comparison of 107-108 proof bourbons. It's underappreciated.

I'd heard good things about this, so I took a chance. I'd say it paid off... Aroma of sweet cherry cola that carries over to the palate, where spice is added — not surprisingly, given it's apparently a high rye mash bill. A slight "warmth" going down, but it's pleasing. This is very good. My only "complaint" is the price. I probably wouldn't have bought it at the price I paid if I'd been able to find it locally for less. No regrets, though. I'd definitely buy it again — but only if I can find it for $20 - $25 cheaper.

Aroma: Oak, vanilla, some baking spices, toasted bread, and a slight hint of red hot. Nothing particularly distinctive. It has nice balance, though. Taste: Wow. This is nice. Very thick, almost syrup-like. Big sweet vanilla and sticky caramel. Oak. The first sip was awesome. On subsequent sips, I get more fruity bubblegum notes, butterscotch, and even a little chocolate. A very pleasant flavor profile. It's a bit overpriced at $70; it should be around $50-60 at most. Worth trying, but there are better options at its price point. Definitely in the 3.75-4.0 range.