In the heart of Memphis, where the blues echo through the streets and the Mississippi River rolls on, a distillery is stirring up something special again. Blue Note Bourbon has just unleashed another run of its Honey Rye Cask whiskey, a bold spirit that's got folks talking—and reaching for their glasses. After selling out fast last year, this rye is back with 13,000 bottles hitting shelves and online stores across parts of the U.S., proving that good things don't stay gone for long when demand is this high.
What sets this whiskey apart starts with a clever twist on tradition. The team at Blue Note takes American oak barrels that have already done their job finishing other whiskeys and gives them a new purpose: aging honey. That's right—they fill those barrels with honey and let it soak up all the woody, oaky goodness. Once that's done, they pour back in a rye whiskey that's already matured for at least three years. This second round of aging in the honey-soaked casks creates a flavor fusion that's as smooth as a late-night jam session.
Image credit: Blue Note
The makeup of this rye is straightforward but packs a punch. It's built on a mash bill that's 95 percent rye and just 5 percent malted barley, giving it that spicy kick rye lovers crave. Bottled straight from the barrel at a hefty 116.49 proof— that's about 58.245 percent alcohol by volume—it's unfiltered, so you get all the rich, natural elements without any watering down. At around 65 bucks a bottle, it's positioned as a premium pour that's worth the splurge for those who appreciate the craft.
Tasting this stuff is like unwrapping layers of comfort. On the nose, vanilla hits first, mixed with a warm spice that draws you in. Take a sip, and you're greeted by crisp apple notes dancing with cinnamon, more vanilla, and a solid backbone of oak. The finish lingers just right—smooth as can be, with those vanilla, apple, and spice hints fading slowly, leaving you ready for another round. It's the kind of whiskey that pairs perfectly with a quiet evening on the porch or sharing stories with old friends over a fire.
This relaunch comes hot on the heels of Blue Note bringing back its Honey Cask Bourbon, showing the brand's knack for listening to what drinkers want. Founded back in 2014, B.R. Distilling Company— the folks behind Blue Note—holds the title as Memphis's oldest licensed distillery. They craft their whiskeys to pay homage to the city's legendary blues scene, blending music's soulful vibe with the art of distillation. Everything happens in partnership with Lofted Spirits, the parent of Green River Distilling Company, but the real magic unfolds in aging warehouses just north of downtown Memphis, where the Wolf River meets the Mississippi.
Image credit: Blue Note
Memphis weather plays a starring role here. Those long, sweltering summers push the whiskey deep into the oak barrels, pulling out flavors that are rich and intense. Then come the cooler nights, balancing things out for a boldness that's never harsh—just smooth and inviting. It's this natural rhythm that gives Blue Note whiskeys their signature edge, making them stand out in a crowded market.
Beyond the Honey Rye Cask, Blue Note has built a solid lineup over the years. Their flagship bottles include the easy-drinking Juke Joint at about 35 dollars, Crossroads for around 45, the robust Uncut nearing 50, and a straight rye whiskey also in the 35-dollar range. For those chasing something rarer, they've rolled out limited editions like Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, a impressive 17-year-old, Special Reserve, and Single Barrel Rye. These aren't just bottles; they're stories in liquid form, each one earning awards and loyal fans.
If you're ever in Memphis, swing by their massive 110,000-square-foot setup on Royal Avenue, right outside the downtown hustle. It's open weekdays from 10 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon, complete with a cozy tasting room where you can sample the goods. On Thursdays and Fridays, they offer guided tours for 10 bucks plus a bit for taxes and fees. Add on a tasting flight for an extra five, and you've got a solid afternoon diving into how they make this stuff. Booking's easy—just check their website for details, and while you're at it, follow them on social media for updates on new releases and events.
Distribution has grown steadily, with Blue Note now available in 22 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, plus Washington, D.C. Can't find it locally? Their online shop at BlueNoteBourbon.com ships through Bevstack to a bunch more places, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—even American Samoa gets in on it.
In a world full of mass-produced spirits, Blue Note's approach feels like a throwback to when things were made with care and a nod to local roots. This Honey Rye Cask isn't just another bottle; it's a reminder that innovation can come from simple ideas, like marrying whiskey and honey in a barrel. For anyone who's spent years appreciating a good pour, this one's worth seeking out—whether to savor solo or share with the crew. It's got that Memphis spirit: bold, flavorful, and always leaving you wanting more.
