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I have almost finished this bottle of Belle Meade Madeira Cask Bourbon, and the experience has been memorable.
My wife and I visited Madeira (an archipelago located 280 mi off the coast of Africa) for an anniversary trip a few years ago. That was my first experience with the exquisite Madeira wine with its range of dry to sweet styles. So, whenever I see a bourbon finished with Madeira wine casks, I am immediately on board. This expression by Belle Meade did not disappoint.
Rating: 86
| Nose |
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| Palate |
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| Finish |
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| Uniqueness |
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| Value |
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Ratings breakdown based on a 100 point scale.
- 90-100 Exceptional
- 80-89 Very Good
- 70-79 Average
- 60-69 Below Average
- 50-60 Drain Pour
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Detailed Tasting Notes
Nose Review - Rating: 86
Now, this is a nose! Creamy, rich, and dark from the very beginning. Like a minty dark caramel fruit. Frankly, I’m not sure if I know how to describe this. I’ve never experienced a nose quite like this. This experience is engaging; after tasting the bourbon, the nose shifted to soft minty dark cherry fruit and ethanol. Now, the longer you experience this, the sweeter it becomes, and the more the caramel comes through on the nose.
Palate Review - Rating: 86
The palate of Belle Meade Madeira Cask Straight Bourbon is almost a reflection of the nose; dark chocolate and dark cherry, toffee-like sweetness. There’s a minty spice flavor and nuttiness (I wish I could describe more accurately), which is layered over all of these other flavors. This bourbon has taken on many characteristics of the Madeira wine finish, probably more so than most finished bourbons. I am almost at the end of this bottle, and this tasting seems to be different than my previous experiences. I remember this being much sweeter.
Finish Review - Rating: 83
The finish is nice and warm, and the flavors from the palate carry through the finish.
Uniqueness Review - Rating: 91
Very, very unique.
Value Review - Rating: 83
Belle Meade Madeira Cask Bourbon is appropriately priced at a retail price of $64.99
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Smell IS taste. I am just a guy who has been hit with the bourbon bug and who has come to the conclusion that life is too short to drink average tasting bourbons. Go Gators!
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