Belle Meade Select Cask Sherry Bourbon

I sampled this expression along with others at the distillery. The XO was my least preferred, but I was undecided between this and the Madeira finish. I ultimately chose the Madeira bottle primarily because its finish is less common. If they weren't so pricey, I would have bought both; this was an excellent pour that is very easy to drink, especially considering the alcohol content!

This is absolutely a sherry bomb, but it's surprisingly smooth. At 103 proof, it has a bit of a bite on the palate. The profile is intricate and certainly merits being kept. Should you encounter this and have a fondness for sherry cask maturation, acquire a couple of bottles.

This bottle, barrel #4477 from Missouri, is intensely sherry-forward from start to finish. I enjoyed the 90-proof retail version, but its sherry character is less pronounced than in this Select Cask. The bourbon influence is secondary.

Batch 19-01 106.4 Proof Excellently crafted Pleasant mouthfeel Appealing nose Flavorful palate Satisfying finish No faults

This was a store selection. I should have bought multiple bottles. It's delicately sweet and expertly balanced. Enjoyed it neat.

Smooth, sweet, with notes of cherry, butterscotch, and vanilla.