I recently had the pleasure of trying Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask whiskey, and it was quite an experience. The combination of bourbon and cognac flavors creates a unique and complex taste that is sure to please any whiskey enthusiast.
The Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask whiskey is a high-rye bourbon that is finished in French oak casks that previously held XO cognac. The result is a rich and flavorful whiskey.
Table of Contents
Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey Overview
Product History
Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask is a premium whiskey that is a part of the Belle Meade Bourbon line of products. The Belle Meade Bourbon brand is owned by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, which was founded in 1860 by Charles Nelson. The distillery was closed down during the prohibition era and was later revived by Charles Nelson’s great-great-great-grandsons in 2014.
The Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask is made from a blend of three barrels of bourbon that have been aged between 7 and 9 years. The whiskey is then finished in XO Cognac casks for an additional period of time to impart unique flavors to the bourbon.
Price Range
The Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask is a premium whiskey and is priced accordingly. The price of this whiskey varies depending on the location and the retailer. On average, the price of a 750ml bottle of Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask is around $100–170.
photo credit: www.bellemeadebourbon.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey has a delightful aroma that is both sweet and spicy. The aroma is dominated by the scents of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon, with a hint of apple and a touch of cognac. It has a complex aroma that is well-balanced and not overpowering, making it a pleasure to smell.
Flavor
On the palate, the Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey has a rich and complex flavor that is both sweet and spicy. The whiskey has a high rye content, which gives it a spicy kick, while the cognac cask finish adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of fruitiness. The flavor is well-balanced, with the sweetness and spiciness complementing each other perfectly.
Finish
The finish of the Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey is long and smooth, with a hint of spice and sweetness lingering on the palate. The finish is not too strong, making it a great sipping whiskey that can be enjoyed over a long period of time.
Rating
I would rate the Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey a solid 8 out of 10. It is a well-crafted whiskey that is complex and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. The aroma is delightful, and the finish is smooth and long-lasting. If you are a fan of sipping whiskey, then this is definitely one to try.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey, I prefer to keep it simple. The rich and complex flavors of this whiskey can be easily overwhelmed by overly sweet or complex mixers. Instead, I recommend using high-quality mixers that complement the whiskey’s flavors without overpowering them.
Some of my favorite mixers for Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey include:
- Ginger ale: This simple mixer adds a subtle spice and sweetness to the whiskey without overpowering it.
- Club soda: For a lighter, more refreshing drink, try mixing Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey with club soda and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.
- Sweet vermouth: If you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, try mixing Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters for a delicious Manhattan.
photo credit: www.bellemeadebourbon.com
Cocktail Suggestions
While Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey is delicious on its own, it also makes a great base for a variety of cocktails. Here are a few of my favorite cocktail recipes featuring this whiskey:
- Old Fashioned: Combine Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey, a sugar cube, a dash of bitters, and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add ice and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
- Whiskey Sour: Combine Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lemon.
- Boulevardier: Combine Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
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Food Pairings
Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey is a versatile whiskey that pairs well with a wide variety of foods. The complex flavors of this whiskey make it a great match for rich, flavorful dishes like grilled meats, hearty stews, and spicy curries.
Some of my favorite food pairings for Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Whiskey include:
- Grilled steak: The smoky, charred flavors of a perfectly grilled steak are a great match for the rich, complex flavors of this whiskey.
- Beef stew: The hearty, savory flavors of a beef stew are complemented by the whiskey’s spicy, oaky notes.
- Spicy curry: The bold, complex flavors of a spicy curry are a great match for the whiskey’s rich, fruity flavors.
Conclusion
After trying Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. This whiskey is a blend of 7 and 9-year-old bourbons finished in XO Cognac casks. The result is a complex and flavorful whiskey that is definitely worth trying.
Overall, I would recommend Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask to anyone who enjoys a complex and flavorful whiskey. It’s perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, and it would also make a great addition to any cocktail. The price point is a bit high, but the quality of the whiskey is definitely worth it.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed Belle Meade Bourbon XO Cognac Cask Finish, then you might also enjoy reading about some of my other favorite whiskeys. Here are a few related posts that I think you’ll find interesting:
- Review: Johnnie Walker Blender’s Batch Red Rye Finish: This limited edition whiskey from Johnnie Walker is finished in rye casks, giving it a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
- Weekly Review: Lossit – The Lost Distillery Co.: This single malt from The Lost Distillery Co. is a tribute to the long-lost Lossit distillery on Islay. It’s a must-try for any whiskey lover.
- Weekly Review: Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative Edition: This special edition whiskey from Old Pulteney is a nod to the brand’s sailing heritage. It’s a smooth and complex whiskey that’s perfect for sipping.
- Weekly Review: Wemyss Malts’ Midsummer single cask releases: These single cask whiskies from Wemyss Malts range from 18 to 27 years old, and they’re all unique and delicious in their own way.
- Weekly Review: Wolfburn Single Malt: This single malt from Wolfburn is the first release from the distillery in over 150 years. It’s a smooth and flavorful whiskey that’s perfect for any occasion.
