Belle Meade Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Year

This review is for the single barrel 10-year sold by DC's Potomac Wines (currently on sale for $58, a stunning value). It's bottled at 52.3% ABV, relatively low for a barrel proof bourbon. Just about everything you want in a bourbon nose is here. It resembles Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, which I worship, just with the intensity dialed down from 11 to 9.5 or so. Hanging in the balance are oak, vanilla, toasted coconut, barrel char, cherry, coffee ice cream, and some cologne-esque musk or oiled leather. There is a lot intermingling here, but it's like the perfect party, where everyone's different personalities mesh together. The palate progression is interesting. This bourbon enters stealthily, if that makes any sense. The first sensations are of a delicate sweetness, with no burn, but then there is a warming rush of oak, tannins, toffee, honey, vanilla, and corn. It is a rich swirl of flavors, which tails off into a stimulating combination of cinnamon, pepper, and baking spices. It has a creamy rather than oily texture, and it is so gentle I would have pegged its ABV in the 45% range rather than the 52%+ it actually is. Belle Meade ends with a lovely coda of oak, butterscotch, rye bread, and cinnamon. This bourbon is for someone who enjoys a lengthy, languorous finish, but one that doesn't light the tongue, throat, and esophagus on fire. One of the best bourbons I've had -- the only criticism I have is that it hews pretty close to the traditional/classic bourbon flavor profile, and there aren't many surprising notes along the way. This is a high-rye bourbon, so imagine Four Roses Single Barrel but with more oak and vanilla flavors and a little extra oomph. I'd put this at a 96-97 on the scale.

This is absolute perfection. The aroma erupts from the glass, loaded with maple, black cherry, oak, vanilla, lemon cookies, and peanut shell. The taste is opulent and indulgent, coating the mouth exceptionally well. It quickly brings oak and cinnamon, then shifts to caramel and maple syrup. A fantastic journey for the palate that lasts a long time. This is among the most perfect bourbons I have experienced. It truly hits every mark.

Exceptional. Not only a rich, sweet vanilla/caramel delight, but also a wide array of fruit flavors, including cherry, apple, and possibly plum. The complex profile is rounded out by spicy undertones and some chocolate. While high-priced bourbons are often difficult to justify, the depth and deliciousness of this one warrant the expense. Highly recommended if you can find it.

NOSE - chocolate covered toffee, very reminiscent of a candy bar, sweet vanilla, light buttery cake PALATE - sweet and smooth initially with sugary caramels, very rapidly followed by a spicy cinnamon kick with another hint of sweetness, finishing with buttered nougat. FINISH - not a significant finish, perhaps a bit creamy near the end but fades rather quickly.

Barrel 1601: The aroma is full of caramel and fruit, which follows onto the taste. It's a little dry, but not unpleasantly so. The end has dark chocolate notes. Cask Strength, barrel 3811, filled 10/03/06, bottle 18, 124.5 proof. Fantastic, rich, sweet caramel, spice, and fruit notes. Warming. 5/28/18

Simply outstanding. The scent is intensely sweet, like cotton candy. Tastes like spiced apple cider. It's complex and warm with a pleasant burn. This isn't your typical bourbon; it's distinct and easily recognizable. After just one sip, you'll clearly see why it's a superb addition to any collection.