Belle Meade Black Bell Bourbon

Belle Meade Black Bell bourbon is a collaboration between Nelson-Greenbrier distillery and Blackstone Brewery in Nashville, Tennessee. Basically, Blackstone's Imperial Stout was aged in Belle Meade bourbon barrels, and after the beer was emptied, the bourbon was finished in the same barrels the beer just left. This bourbon is aged 10yrs and 9 months, the last 9 months being in the ex-stout barrels. It is bottled at cask strength, 55.75%, or 111.5 proof.

Less than 300 bottles were released and it sold out at the distillery in 3 days (I bought this bottle on day 2).

This is bottle #43. Bottle opened for 3 months and is 95% full.

Nose: It starts with very savory notes. Salted pork, then burnt pine needles, and charred oak. This transitions to sweet German chocolate cake, peanut butter, vanilla and salted caramel candies. Great balance and transition. Salty and sweet. It almost reminds me of the chocolate Chex Mix. Truly heavenly.

Palate: Begins by following the nose, salty and savory meats, followed by chocolate and coffee. This then turns to chili spices. Like the crushed red pepper you put on pizza. Then comes apples! So many layers to this and it really takes some time to examine and fully enjoy this.

Finish: Long finish, apples and salted meat.

Overall: At $80+ tax, I should have bought 3 or 4. Unfortunately, this is no longer available. This is a darn good bourbon. Full and rich with savory, salty and sweet notes all working together in great harmony. If any of you are in the Nashville area this is one I would be proud to share with you.