Tag: Belle Meade

Belle Meade Honey Cask Bourbon

I’ll just kick in the door – Belle Meade Honey Cask isn’t worth the insane secondary prices folks are paying for it. It’s just not. It’s well-aged MGP bourbon finished in a barrel that once held honey, and that’s precisely what it tastes like. On with the show!

Pour: Belle Meade Honey Cask Finished Bourbon
Proof: 105.3
Age: not stated
Color: dense amber
Nose: boozy glazed danish, caramel apple, dried orange
Taste: exotic honey, creamy butter toffee, sweet citrus
Finish: long w/ honeyed oak, baked apple & pear, faint cinnamon

Overall: With my spoiler out of the way, I can say that Belle Meade Honey Cask is a fantastic finished bourbon. It truly is. Were it reasonably priced on a retail shelf, I’d buy it. Complex, flavorful, and unique, no doubt about it. Just hyped to stupid.

Rating: H(not M)oney

Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve

I’ve been asked to review more MGP-distilled whiskeys. Can do! Today, I’m tasting Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve Bourbon. What is it? Well, it’s not labeled straight and it doesn’t carry an age statement, but it is barrel-proof bourbon. So, there’s that.

Pour: Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve (batch 12)
Proof: 114.5
Age: NAS (reportedly 7-11 years)
Color: copper
Nose: sliced apple, honey-roasted nuts, butter toffee
Taste: sharp vanilla, “brisk” oak, lively herbal spice
Finish: moderately long – nutty caramel, cinnamon, pepper

Overall: I’m having a hard time believing this is 7-11-year whiskey. Perhaps it is and this particular batch simply delivers a vibrant profile. Regardless, Belle Meade Cask Strength Reserve is full-flavored and packs a punch. It just lacks maturity and depth.

Rating: OGD114+