A really good balance of flavor, power, and refinement.
Charles Nelson immigrated from Germany with his family in 1850. His father was washed overboard during the trip and the burden of supporting the family landed squarely on his fifteen-year-old shoulders. He set immediately to work making soap and candles. Then he opened up a store to sell them. Then he expanded the store into a large grocery chain still in operation today. Eventually, he bought-out his Whiskey supplier — the Green Brier Distillery. Fate and fortune caused that distillery to close in 1909, but Charles Nelson’s great-great-grandsons — Andy and Charlie — re-founded the distillery, producing a range of Bourbons, Tennessee Whiskeys, and specialty Spirits.
Each batch of Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon is comprised of hand-selected barrels that are divided and balanced into two batches. That means each release is a little bit different than the one that came before it. But in the case of Belle Meade, the level of quality is very consistent — which is why it was voted #10 in the list of "Top 20 Whiskies of 2018" by Whiskey Advocate. The Spirit is bottled at a beautiful 108.3 proof — 54.15% ABV — so it has more than enough power and pleasure to go around.
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Bourbon must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.
Nose / Aroma / Smell
The aroma comes alive quickly with notes of fresh cornbread, warm oak, and cocoa.
Flavor / Taste / Palate
Warm spice greets you on first sip followed by apricot, more sweet cornbread, chocolate milk, a dash of sea salt, baking spices, and plum.
Finish
The finish is long with a blooming rye-spice warmth.
Excellent slow sipper neat. Strong, good spice. Nighty-night.
Brian,
Enjoyed this one . The spice/burn is minimal but lingers!
Robert,
nice sweet start with a bit of a spicy finish
Wade,
A little spicy for my taste but quite a bit of flavor but in top it. Not as sweet as I expected
JD,
Decent flavor but it is pretty bland in every way. Very balanced but not much stands out
Daniel,
Brown sugar, molasses, sweet spice, and butter. Little bit of clove and tobacco. Smooth for the ABV. A step up from Michter’s, but also priced that way.
ERICK,
Great bourbon. Initial sweetness on the palette that opens to oak and spice. Long finish with a noticeable but subtle burn.
james,
excellent mouthfeel and taste,no burn,nice medium to full finish.
james,
very good!..want more.
Scott,
We loved this. A great taste with subtle hints of vanilla - wonderful sipping and aftertaste.
Kris,
Strong methanol on the tip of the tongue
Joshua,
Excellent bourbon
John,
Great taste full body.
Stephen,
Woody
90.4 proof
6 year
Charles,
A great Bourbon with a great story
Jacob,
Only had a neck pour and it was fantastic. Nice spice followed by nice fruit flavor. Very happy with this purchase.
Matthew,
Solid bourbon.
Justin,
A very good whiskey. Immediate spicy nose with a subtle fruity flavor on the pallet. It has a smooth finish that I cannot describe but looking at the flavor swirl maybe it’s the milk or cocoa. Definitely enjoyable and pleasant sipper on the rocks. I would order it if I saw it at a bar but wouldn’t put my name on a waiting list to buy a bottle.
Craig,
Too spicy for my pallet but it was a gift so I'm drinking it.
Craig,
Too spicy for my liking but it was a gift.
MICHAEL,
Surprisingly complex. Walks you through all taste and temporal aspects you expect in a classic bourbon. Not too tame at any point on the journey. Not too strong/harsh - just right for me and I appreciate a little hug. I drink neat and this is dangerous to my palate - really good
Henry,
I love this stuff! One of my very favorites!
Crow,
This was a pleasant surprise. Its strong but smooth, great on ice. I will be ordering this again.
Jason,
Red hots right off the start followed by toffee, more spicy, a bit of sweetness and liquor. Very firm bourbon that does well on a rock ice cube to open it up.
Jay,
Exceptional. Well rounded and perfect neat.
Mark,
Love the smoothness
Kenneth,
Nice bourbon, sweet and finishes smooth. Distillery story is fantastic, consider getting a bottle and enjoy!
Ray,
Brilliant. Very sweet, almost strawberry flavor, smooth finish.
Mark,
Classic bourbon in a high-proof wrapper. Provides a lot of enjoyment and hits all the right notes at a price that doesn't break the bank.
Nick,
Loved this. Not overly expensive but extra tasty.
Chris,
For the price what is not to like? Cask strength and still delicious. It's not the best but certainly not the worst. 9 stars because it's priced right and pretty darn good.
Erik,
A real sleeper bottle that is not on a lot of peoples radars but absolutely should be, fantastic bourbon
Ben,
Solid cask strength bourbon.
Richard,
This hits all the typical bourbon notes. It's very nice, doesn't drink as hot as the high proof would suggest.
It's just not that interesting. After the first taste the finish is quick and not that complex. Great start for someone not used to cask strength. Not that satisfying for experienced bourbon drinkers.
Michael,
One of the first bourbons I tried and still one of my all time favorites.
Zane,
Spice and milk chocolate work together in perfect harmony. Absolutely delicious!
David,
This is my favorite bourbon! The favors explode in you mouth, with vanilla, caramel, spice, oak, and cherry. I would put this above Stagg Jr in my opinion.
guest,
Smooth Smokey and well balanced with a bit of stone fruit and chocolate flavors.