Blue Note Bourbon, a brand known for its creative approach to whiskey blending, has taken a leap into uncharted territory with its new Special Reserve release. Featuring a blend aged in an impressive array of ten different casks, this whiskey manages to stand out in the competitive bourbon market. Despite the complexity of its maturation process, the result is a surprisingly balanced and flavorful expression that has captured the attention of bourbon enthusiasts.
The Story Behind Blue Note Bourbon
Owned by B.R. Distilling Company, Blue Note Bourbon operates as a non-distilling producer. Instead of crafting whiskey in-house, the brand sources its liquid from other distilleries. For the Special Reserve release, Blue Note collaborated with Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC), now operating under its new contract distilling arm, Lofted Spirits. The whiskey itself is a blend of bourbons from Kentucky and Tennessee, with ages ranging from four to 19 years. This multi-source approach allowed Blue Note to experiment with a variety of mash bills and cask finishes.
The Complex Composition
The Special Reserve bourbon features three distinct mash bills. Two are made with 70% corn and a little over 20% rye, while the third contains 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. The whiskeys were finished in a wide range of casks, adding layers of complexity. Here's the breakdown of the blend:
Image credit: Blue Note Bourbon
Tennessee Whiskeys:
- 5% 19-year-old bourbon finished in a cognac cask
- 5% 11-year-old bourbon finished in a port cask
- 4% 12-year-old bourbon finished in a sherry cask
Kentucky Whiskeys:
- 18% 6-year-old bourbon finished in a madeira cask
- 17% 4-year-old bourbon finished in an apricot brandy cask
- 15% 4-year-old bourbon finished in a vanilla cognac cask
- 13% 4-year-old bourbon finished in an amontillado cask
- 10% 6-year-old bourbon finished in a vino de naranja (orange wine) cask
- 10% 4-year-old bourbon finished in a triple sec cask
- 3% 5-year-old bourbon finished in another madeira cask
This diverse mix of finishes highlights Blue Note’s willingness to push boundaries, creating a blend that combines the richness of madeira and brandy with the fruity and spicy nuances of other finishes.
Tasting Notes
The result is a bourbon that delivers a dynamic yet cohesive flavor profile. On the nose, expect aromas of nutty caramel, spiced maple, and a hint of orange zest. The palate offers layers of cinnamon, burnt orange peel, and a touch of sour grape candy reminiscent of Jolly Ranchers. Despite the variety of influences, the bourbon retains its core identity, with a hint of oak and nuttiness shining through. At 116.3 proof, it delivers a satisfying warmth without overwhelming the palate.
The finish is long and spicy, with lingering notes of citrus and subtle sweetness. Blue Note’s blending team deserves credit for managing to harmonize such a complex array of flavors, proving that risk-taking can lead to exceptional results.
Limited Availability and Pricing
Blue Note Special Reserve is a limited-edition release, with only about 2,000 bottles available. Priced at $225 each, it’s positioned as a premium offering for serious bourbon collectors and enthusiasts. The previous year’s release, which featured six different cask finishes, can still be found on the secondary market for those looking to compare the two iterations.
A New Benchmark for Bourbon Innovation
Blue Note’s bold approach to blending and finishing has set a new standard for creativity in the bourbon world. The Special Reserve release not only demonstrates the potential of multi-cask maturation but also showcases the skill required to balance so many distinct flavors. While it’s not an everyday pour due to its price and availability, this bourbon is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what bourbon can be.
For those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle, Blue Note Special Reserve promises an experience that’s as unique as its composition—a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and bold experimentation.
