Disclaimer: The whiskey reviewed was furnished for free courtesy of the spirit distiller. The distillery did not pay us for this review. This review is our honest and unbiased opinion based soley on how the spirit tasted.
Both small batch Blue Note Bourbon expressions are unfiltered and bottled at 93 proof because Prohibition was repealed in the 1930’s and the Blues rose to prominence as well. If you didn’t catch on from the name, Blue Note is named for the Memphis born blues. B.R. Distilling aimed to craft a bourbon that was bold and smooth just like the blues.
A couple of interesting notables. You don’t see many $30 3YO small batch bourbons that are unfiltered. Not being chill filtered was in Juke Joint Whiskeys favor. Also, Juke Joint is a Kentucky bourbon while the premium small batch and single barrel are from TN. Not going to lie, I was prejudiced toward the Juke Joint because of that but after reviewing both my mind was changed. Don’t sleep on a good whiskey blend from TN.
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Table of Contents
Blue Note 9YO Premium Small Batch Bourbon Review
Blue Note Premium Small Batch | Details |
---|---|
Mashbill | 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley 70% corn, 22% rye, and 8% malted barley |
In the Bottle | 93 Proof |
ABV | 46.5% |
Age | 9YO |
Source | Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
Type | Small Batch Blend of Two Mash Bills |
Suggested MSRP | $55 |
Distillery | Big River Distilling Co. 802 Royal Ave. Memphis, TN, 38107 |
Pros | Complex Beyond Proof Great Mouthfeel |
Cons | The Nose If I Had to Nitpick |
Rating | Gold 93 out of 100 Points |
Inventory | Buy, Drink, Enjoy — Repeat |
Buy Online | Buy at Seelbach's |
Nose – 91 out of 100 Points
The aroma is vanilla cake batter and charred oak. I also pick up a cinnamon-spiced baking chocolate
Taste – 93 out of 100 Points
Spinning this bourbon in my glass produced thick ribbons of oily bourbon. That’s got me excited for the mouthfeel. It does not disappoint. It’s creamy. The palate offers more sweetness than the nose. It’s more of a tropical vibe like mango and papaya rather than your traditional red fruits found in many bourbons. The side of the palate is white pepper. The back of the palate offers just a hint of cinnamon as well as some oak.
Finish – 93 out of 100 Points
The finish is medium to long with more of the creamy tropical fruit notes, subtle oak, and white pepper.
Complexity – 93 out of 100 Points
The palate was complex beyond its proof with traditional flavors like cinnamon, oak, and pepper mingled with tropical fruits. I also loved how the fruit notes carried over to the finish and played so well with the cinnamon and oak.
Value – 95 out of 100 Points
Blue Note Premium Small Batch bourbon is 9YO and $55. It’s unfiltered which lends to its creamy mouthfeel. At that price, with the level of complexity, depth of flavor, and mouthfeel it’s an amazing value. Buy. Drink. Enjoy. Repeat.
Verdict – Gold 93 out of 100 Points
Blue Note Juke Joint Whiskey Review
Blue Note Juke Joint Whiskey | Details |
---|---|
Mashbill | 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley |
In the Bottle | 93 Proof |
ABV | 46.5% |
Age | Minimum 3YO |
Source | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
Type | Small Batch |
Suggested MSRP | $30 |
Distillery | Big River Distilling Co. 802 Royal Ave. Memphis, TN, 38107 |
Pros | The Aroma |
Cons | Lacked Complexity on Palate and Finish |
Rating | Silver 87.6 out of 100 Points |
Inventory | Drinker |
Buy Online | Buy at Seelbach's |
Nose – 91 out of 100 Points
I’m loving the nose on this bourbon. It’s bright and vibrant. It reminds me of candy apple, thick, dark caramel, subtle baking spice, and cane sugar charred oak.
Taste – 87 out of 100 Points
Oak and ripe fruit on the tip of the tongue with the sweetness extending through the mid-palate. Black pepper rolls into balance out the sweetness. The body is viscous and creamy. Just hints of toasted grain at the very back of the palate.
Finish – 86 out of 100 Points
The finish is medium. Juke Joint is surprisingly oaky for a younger bourbon. Baking spice party with the oak. I also get just a hint of burnt caramel.
Complexity – 86 out of 100 Points
The nose hinted at the complexity that could be, but it didn’t follow through on the palate and finish. They both lacked complexity for different reasons.
Value – 88 out of 100 Points
This is the kind of bourbon you enjoy without much thought. You just sit back. Sip. And appreciate it for what it is. A solid drinking bourbon for $30. It’s able to hang with the bourbons twice its age in this price point.
Verdict – Silver 87.6 out of 100 Points
Blue Note Juke Joint Whiskey Uncut
McCauley Williams, President & CEO of B&R Distilling Co. just announced on IG a new Juke Joint expression (see above) — Uncut. Based on tasting their other whiskeys, I expect Uncut to be delicious.
Full Review Upon Release
Blue Note 11-Year Single Barrel Bourbon Review
Blue Note Single Barrel Bourbon | Details |
---|---|
Mashbill | 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley |
In the Bottle | 115.4 |
ABV | 57.52% |
Age | 11YO |
Source | Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
Type | Single Barrel Selected by Citi Wine and Spirits, Atlanta, GA |
Suggested MSRP | $59.99 |
Distillery | Big River Distilling Co. 802 Royal Ave. Memphis, TN, 38107 |
Pros | Out of This World Value |
Cons | Missing Unifying Element |
Rating | Silver 89.4 out of 100 Points |
Inventory | Buy It Now |
Nose – 88 out of 100 Points
The aromas are orange and warming baking spice with nutmeg as the standout. Toasted oak also shows up as well as burnt salted caramel and brown sugar. I’m also picking up something briny I can’t put my finger on but once I smelled it it bloomed.
Taste – 88 out of 100 Points
There’s a moment of creaminess when it hits your palate followed by a gentle tingle and a building spicy warmth. Think red peppercorn and gojuchang. I also get that brininess that’s balanced with butterscotch.
Finish – 89 out of 100 Points
The finish is medium with oak and fruity red peppercorn.
Complexity – 87 out of 100 Points
It just felt like it was missing something to tie it all together.
Value – 95 out of 100 Points
I paid $50 for an 11YO bourbon. That’s a great value. I’d say if you have a store you trust with picks already these Blue Note single barrels are a must-buy at the price.
Verdict – Silver 89.4 out of 100 Points
Which Big River Distilling Co. whiskey is the best?
We’ve reviewed the Blue Note Bourbons above, but Big River Distilling Co. also makes the delicious Riverset Rye, so which B.R. Distilling Co. whiskey is the best? Check out B.R. Distilling Co. comparison below:
Start shopping for bourbon clothing and accessories for your journey. The Bard’s Shop has custom tees and hoodies, books, barrels, and more.
Written by Matty Sims
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