Blue Note Premium Small Batch Bourbon 9 Year

Tasted neat from a sample. This pour triumphed in a head-to-head blind tasting against a Chattanooga single barrel recently. I sealed it and allowed it to rest overnight for a proper evaluation of the remaining portion. Now knowing it's from a specific distillery, it carries that distillery's signature aroma. However, it's an excellent rendition of it! Burnt caramel, medicinal cherry, and a subtle smokiness are present. Hints of tobacco and leather are also detected, along with some almond. Blind, I genuinely questioned if it was whiskey or rum aged in whiskey casks. Its unique combination of almond, medicinal notes, and smokiness was quite perplexing. Overall, a pleasant aroma. The texture feels thin for its proof, despite being oily. It's priced appropriately and doesn't overstay its welcome. Enjoyable taste; it evokes a cherry cheesecake topped with chocolate syrup. The crust resembles chocolate graham crackers. There's also a hint of orange zest, which becomes quite prominent. Remarkable. One of the finest products from this distillery I've encountered, especially for a 9-year single barrel. I wish all their offerings tasted like this. I'm curious if it underwent charcoal finishing. If you have information, please share. I have a complex and often contradictory relationship with this distillery, and the reason remains unclear.

Nose: The Dickel origin is immediately apparent, which isn't negative, it just signals the source of the spirit. Beyond the initial vitamin-like scent, there are notes of fruit, specifically pears and apples, with a very subtle hint of cinnamon. Palate: The Dickel character reappears on the initial taste. The texture is wonderfully smooth and oily, but the flavors are somewhat subdued. Perhaps some caramel and vanilla, alongside more apple notes. Finish: This might be its strongest aspect, as oak spice emerges towards the end. There's not much heat, but it does offer a contrast to the nose and palate. Overall: There's nothing inherently wrong with this, but it could have simply been bottled as Dickel without further ado. It doesn't feel like Blue Note truly added their distinct mark. It's not unpleasant at all, but ultimately, you're tasting Dickel and nothing more.

Evaluated in a Glencairn nosing glass. Nose - Straight - Not very pronounced. Faint green apple, subtle vanilla, and a whisper of oak. A few drops of water are added... the green apple is stronger, but not much else changes. Taste - Straight - Rather unvarien. Tart apple, vanilla bean, and wood. Adding a few drops of water... this muted the flavor. I'm only detecting mild oak and vanilla. Final thoughts - It tastes like whiskey, and not a remarkable one. I've seen excellent reviews for the Blue Notes with age statements. I'm not sure why the 9-year is so popular. I'll wait for the 17-year to see how that one is.

After a second pour, the characteristic Dickel notes are present but much more subdued. It has an "amber" taste, which I associate with its golden color. Flavors include honey, syrup, and subtle fruit, alongside pancakes that seem barely cooked. It's less flinty than neat Dickel once it breathed. It's a decent value, though locating it required some effort. Not essential for a collection, but certainly worth sampling, particularly for those who typically dislike Dickel. It might even win you over. A good introduction to Tennessee whiskey. Alternatively, consider something from Chattanooga or Roaming Man from Sugarlands for a superior Tennessee Whiskey experience.

Aroma: Vanilla, green apples, butterscotch, and a hint of herbs. Color: Light to medium copper. Taste: Notes of seasoned wood, pepper, grass, cherry, mild ethanol, and hints of dessert come through... Overall: After two evenings with this spirit, I'm not convinced. Its age statement led me to expect significant depth of flavor after nine years in the barrel. That wasn't the case. It's certainly good and possesses some complexity, just not what I anticipated...

My expectations were not met. The aroma presents pleasant notes of brown sugar, banana, and oak. On the palate, there's a sweet, distinct woody character, accompanied by more brown sugar, toasted almond, caramel, and butter. Despite being 93 proof, the alcohol presence was more potent than anticipated. It’s enjoyable, though not exceedingly intricate. A reasonable value for the cost.