Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee takes the “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle” environmentalist mantra to a whole new level. By resting a proprietary bourbon blend in casks that had previously been used to age fine Cognac, they have extended the Belle Meade Bourbon brand, debuting a new product of unmistakable quality and character, to begin release through the month of July 2016.
Belle Meade Bourbon Cognac Cask Finish joins the distillery’s acclaimed Belle Meade Bourbon Sherry Cask Finish as the second product in its special finish line, gaining distinction from spending some down-time in flavor-enhancing pedigreed barrels.
The perfect casks were sought for this bourbon’s finishing stage. “Like any other ingredient, the finishing cask must be exceptional in order to achieve exceptional results,” states Charlie Nelson, who, with his brother Andy, has revived the family’s historic distilling business with a line of award-winning small-batch whiskeys. “The search ended when we found a selection of casks made of French Limousin oak in which one of the world’s premier Fine Champagne XO Cognacs had been aged for twelve years. One smell told us that they held magnificent potential as finishing barrels for our bourbon.”
To coax the best results from these extraordinary casks, the bourbon selected to fill them was a high rye-content [30%] blend, ranging in age from 6-9 years. “The younger barrels pair with the spice and fruit characteristics of the cask, while the rich depth and complexity of the older barrels in the blend play perfectly with the soft, luxurious flavors of the aged Cognac that linger in the French oak,” notes Nelson. Cut to 90.4 proof and non-chill filtered, Belle Meade BourbonCognac Cask Finish is ideally sipped neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks. However you choose to drink it, be sure to secure a bottle and add it to your collection while you can.
Distillers’ Tasting Notes
Nose: Crème Brûlée, Red Apple and a touch of Cinnamon
Palate: Vanilla, Caramel, Dried Orange, Baking Spices and a soft alluring medium bodied mouth feel
Finish: Long finish, mimicking the palate but adding Toasted Cedar and hints of Allspice
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery | 1414 Clinton Street Nashville, TN
www.greenbrierdistillery.com | @TNWhiskeyCo
