Primarily based in Memphis, Tennessee, Blue Observe has been a gradual presence in bourbon’s mixing scene for the previous a number of years. Whereas lots of their releases have featured whiskey sourced from each Tennessee and Kentucky, they at the moment have a partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Firm, so we’re more likely to see extra of that contract-distilled liquid come of age down the highway. All their casks are aged simply north of downtown Memphis, close to the intersection of the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers.
Right this moment, we’re taking a look at one in all Blue Observe’s higher-end, restricted choices: Particular Reserve Bourbon, a part of the model’s Cask Ending Sequence. The annual launch numbers about 2,000 bottles for 2025, with a advised retail worth of $225. This 12 months’s Particular Reserve is a mix of each Tennessee and Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys, ranging in age from 4 to 19 years.
However extra arresting than the age vary is the mix of ending casks, and the last word mix comprises 10 completely different bourbons from 9 completely different kinds of secondary barrels. Maintain on to your seats, as a result of this can be a breakdown which may require a second learn.
- Cognac, 5%, 19 12 months outdated Tennessee bourbon
- Madeira, 3%, 5 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
- Madeira, 18%, 6 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
- Sherry, 4%, 12 12 months outdated Tennessee bourbon
- Port, 5%, 11 12 months outdated Tennessee bourbon
- Triple Sec, 10%, 4 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
- Apricot brandy, 17%, 4 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
- Amontillado, 13%, 4 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
- Vanilla Cognac, 15%, 4 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
- Vio de Maranja, 10%, 6 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon
The Kentucky bourbons all come from a mash of 70 % corn, 21 % rye, and 9 % malted barley. The Tennessee bourbons all come from mashes of 84 % corn, 8 % rye, and eight % malted barley (the 19 and 11 12 months outdated parts) and 70 % corn, 22 % rye, and eight % malted barley (12 12 months outdated part). The ultimate mix is bottled at 116.3 proof and doesn’t endure any filtering.
Will these liquid streams harmonize, or will now we have discord in a glass? There’s just one option to discover out.
That outdated Tennessee bourbon comes by means of instantly on the nostril, filled with barrel char, toasted oak, and burnt peanut skins. Almond and black walnut extracts come subsequent. These are in flip adopted by equal (however not fairly reverse) rushes of vanilla creme and leather-based recliner, the candy and tannic components merging properly after my third sniff. Fruit is extra muted than I anticipated, and with mild traces of that apricot brandy end coming by means of extra like charred peaches and orange curaçao. These are good punctuations, although in the end darkish wine tannins and really outdated oak dominate the vary of aromas.
The primary style is sweeter than the nostril suggests, instantly viscous on the tongue. Sweetened orange curaçao and vanilla ice cream lead, rapidly evolving into darkish cherry syrup and blackcurrant jam. There’s loads of darkish fruit affect right here, and although the nutty Tennessee bourbon lingers within the background, it’s not as pronounced in comparison with the nostril. A thread of Cognac hits proper earlier than the midpalate, together with successful of sturdy wooden spice I’d guess comes from the affect of European oak. Extra citrus peel and vanilla accumulates towards the again palate, an excellent counter to what may be in any other case overpowering wooden notes.
Given the proof, mix, and cornucopia of cask finishes, I anticipated the end to weigh closely. As an alternative, we’re left with remarkably mild lingering flavors: orange marmalade and apricot jam, varied darkish berry jellies, and calmly bitter aged brandy. Creamy peanut butter and semi-burnt caramel wrap issues up on a remarkably elegant notice.
Blue Observe’s newest Particular Reserve launch would possibly learn like a phrase scramble at first, however there’s a motive to the rhyme that clearly pays off. Its hindrances are tiny, and there are factors on the palate and end the place the whiskey oh-so-nearly touches greatness. I’m excited to see if the Blue Observe staff will proceed to hone the mix. This can be a good whiskey that suggests one thing actually nice only a proportion level or two away.
116.3 proof.
A- / $225 / bluenotebourbon.com
Blue Observe Particular Reserve Bourbon 2025
$225
