Blue Note Cherry Wood Cask Bourbon (Volume 1)
Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cherry Wood Casks
59.7% ABV
$65
Website
We would like to thank B.R. Distilling Co and Ro-Bro Marketing & PR for sending us a sample to review.
What the Producer Says
Exploring the art of alternative cooperage, Cherry Wood Cask is aged in American Oak and finished in sustainably harvested wild-cherry wood casks from the Jura region of eastern France. This cask finished straight bourbon whiskey delivers a distinctive balance of depth and brightness. Memphis heat and humidity draw rich character from the wood, layering vibrant cherry, warm spice, gentle sweetness and subtle toasted notes into every sip, culminating in an unmistakably unique finish that lingers.
The limited release features a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley, and was bottled at cask strength, unfiltered.
What Gary Says
Nose: Vanilla, musty oak, caramel, cherry with a hint of cinnamon.
Palate: Dark chocolate, cherry lozenge, brown sugar, cinnamon, caramel, oak, vanilla, tobacco and pepper spice.
Finish: Moderate in length, drying with oak, cherry and spice notes.
Comments: I’ve enjoyed cherry wood finishes, and this is no exception. Done really well – subtle and unique. This isn’t as nuanced on the nose, but the palate has complexity. Cherry sounds sweet, but this is on the spicier side. A bit of water helps, bringing the cherry forward on the nose, and thickening the mouthfeel nicely while tamping the oak a bit on the palate. I inquired about the aging and learned this is a select blend of 5-6 year old barrels that were finished in the cherry wood casks for four months. Nicely done!