A little background
Blue Note Bourbon is a small batch Tennessee bourbon that has been aged for a minimum of 9 years in a level 4 charred oak barrel. The proof was selected because Prohibition was repealed in the 1930’s, and in the same decade, the Blues became popular in Memphis, Tennessee. The barrels that this whiskey is aged in are specially selected for their wood quality, and are aged near the Mississippi River. The MSRP is set at $55.
(Tasted neat from a Halo Glass)
Color
Yellow Gold
Nose
The first thing I noticed is that the scent is a lot richer than I was expecting from a 93 proof bourbon. Ethanol is very present, just peaking right before the level that masks the other scents. Vanilla, oak spice, and underbaked bread come in as well in a pleasant manner. There is also an almost vegetal scent to this, but not in an off-putting sort of way. Lastly, upon a deep nosing there are hints of orange creamsicle.
Palate
All I can say is, “wow.” The mouthfeel on this is incredible, especially considering the proof. It is thick and oily, more so than most higher-proof bourbons that I’ve had. Orange creamsicle and vegetal flavors dominate the palate, with oak spice rolling in at the mid-palate. A faint hint of peanuts fades onto the sides of the mid-palate. A blue raspberry candy undertone comes in on the back of the palate, giving it a really incredible sweetness.
Finish
The finish is pretty long and filled with those wonderful orange, vegetal, and oaky notes. The peanut is a little noticeable. One of the better finishes that I have experienced for a whiskey sitting in the 90-proof range.
In conclusion
I am really impressed. To be completely honest, I never really buy to drink below 100 proof for my personal bottles, but I would absolutely buy this bottle. I think the value is pretty much right on the nose at $55. The mouth feel is what impressed me the most, it did not leave me wanting anything more. The flavors were deep and unique, not something typical that you’d get from most bourbons. I would definitely recommend seeking out this whiskey and buying it on-site.
Blue Note Bourbon
93 Proof
The Good
- Mouth Feel
- Flavor
- Nose
- Value
The Bad
- Availability
Complexity
8.5
Nose
8.5
Palate
8.5
Finish
8.5
Value
7
While I cannot pick out individual tastes like a seasoned reviewer, I can tell you if I like a bourbon. I really like Blue Note. I do not care that it is not ‘real’ Kentucky bourbon. There are the snobs who say that it is not real bourbon because it was not distilled in Kentucky. I don’t care where it was born. I care about what is in the bottle and let me tell you that it is excellent. Buy-on-sight!
I really enjoyed it too! I agree that it should all be based upon flavor rather than label.
Complexity
6
Nose
9
Palate
6
Finish
5.5
Value
5
A friend gave me a blind sample. The aromatic nose is the star of this bourbon. Spiced fruit and sweetness are incredibly inviting.
The palate went in another direction. Subdued with flavors feeling washed out and diluted from what the nose promised. I did get that hint of peanut shell at the end.
The story that the proof was chosen due to the end of Prohibition seems more gimmick than showcasing what this drink might offer 10 points higher proof.
My two cents.
Complexity
9.5
Nose
9
Palate
9.5
Finish
9
Value
8.5
I tried a single barrel of Blue Note 124.6 proof 10 yr best bourbon I tasted this past year.
Complexity
8.5
Nose
9
Palate
8.5
Finish
8
Value
10
Shocked…Fantastic pour. That is all.